utmost importance

before spring came and the sun conquered its bashfullness* i bought a new umbrella. the see through kind that look like bubble ufos.

exhibit a

my favorite part is that while my shoulders, labtop, purse, and face are perfectly protected, they are not veiled by my umbrella. this is beneficial for two reasons:

1. i can see where i am going. this is very important because i already tend to trip over myself as it is. walking is tricky sometimes.

2. i can smile at passerbys through my umbrella. this is of utmost importance.

enter umbrella metaphor:

they are particularly useful when it begins to sprinkle and you've done your hair just right. or you are holding prized possessions. but when it comes to His grace - His grace that is everywhere - they must be folded and put away lest we want to limit His grace from soaking our lives and heart. yes, our umbrellas will effectively keep His showers of goodness shut out. they will enable us to keep our distance from Him. but sometimes the brave (and wet) thing to do is to surrender to the refreshing rains of His grace. and become saturated, not withholding any part with our manmade mechnisms that protect our wounds and nurse our false selves.

this is of utmost importance.

* as of late june has been teasing the sun for its brightness saying things like "you are too yellow" or "no one appreciates your warmth." but with some coaxing i'm sure she will come out from behind her concrete walls.