Saturday was our oldest daughter’s first prom.  Everything about prom season is grand.  Even the way the boy asks the girl to be his date is on a grandiose scale.  I was just visiting with a friend whose son is feeling the pressure of coming up with a good “ask”.

Finding the right dress is also a big deal!  Luckily, Hannah fell in love with the first dress she tried on.  She felt and looked like a princess.  Hair and makeup appointments were made several weeks in advance.  Nails are done.  Some girls tan or go for spray tans.  They want everything to be perfect for this special night.  Expectations are high for the prom.  I tried to warn Hannah it’s a little overrated.  (she knows now!) It really is all about getting dressed up, feeling and looking fabulous, and taking pictures with your friends and date.

I was reminded in church yesterday that, “God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) In a culture that glorifies youth and beauty, it is easy to get caught up in outward appearance.  I am amazed as I have aged at all of the “maintenance” I require.

As fun as it is to get all glammed up, my hope and prayer for myself and for my girls is that we devote more of our time and our energy to our hearts and character than to our outward appearances.  One verse we memorized as a family years ago is Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” I wish only good things flowed from my heart, but I am a work in process and unfortunately, yucky stuff still rears its ugly head from time to time.  I am thankful for God’s grace and the unconditional love of friends and family who can forgive me when I mess up.