How Good Do You Look From Behind?

In our fashion-forward era, we can measure people by their clothing, money, popularity, what they can get away with, etc. We choose our clothing and accessories very carefully so as to make just the right impression. We want make sure we’re remembered well and so that we’ll be welcomed again.

When we get dressed each day, we should begin not with the visible apparel but with what is unseen: our behaviors, attitudes and character. These are what make a truly lasting impression on people. We change our clothes at least once a day. We can’t change our character that easily.

What we leave behind in terms of how we handle the pressures, problems and stresses of life is telling. We can hide our character flaws for a little while, until we are put under pressure. It’s like when metal is heated to its melting point and the dross (the impurities) rise to the surface and are easily seen. It is then that our real character emerges and impresses people all around us. If our behavior drops like boulders onto people, we walk away leaving them broken, bruised, disappointed and wondering. Trust is broken. Relationship is compromised. It will take a lot of work to heal and mend, if that is even possible. But if we instead bear our circumstances with quiet confidence and gentleness, relationship builds. We will look really good from behind as people watch us go.

Are people glad to see us leave? Or are they glad we were there?