Makeup and Stuff

Yeah, I like this picture, too. I had just come from a TV interview and had a professional do my face. She did a great job, right? But I never quite feel myself in all that goop.

I struggle over the makeup thing. Sure, I want to look good, but whose "good" am I using as a standard? As a business woman and an author/speaker, it's kind of the required thing to do. I honestly feel just as comfortable in no makeup at all, which is why I probably love going to Africa - no one makes me wear the stuff there. (:

But I understand the need to look polished, too. I just couldn't be one of those folks who has to wear makeup to the grocery store. (I went to a seminar where they said you should because you never know what contacts you might make there or who you might meet! Too much pressure for me.) I've never been quite sure I could trust a "friend" whom I had never seen without makeup.

My husband loves the stuff. He gets a little frustrated with me when I want to attend an event "au naturel" face-wise, and he's wanting to "present" me. But he says I'm beautiful even when I don't have makeup on. We just have different opinions about when it's necessary, and frankly, he likes looking more business casual than I do at almost any point. I heard a friend say once that her husband had never seen her without makeup. I can't imagine that - especially with a community pool outside my front door!

I guess the most important thing is to remember that when it comes to makeup, the face having it can't improve the condition of the heart beneath. I've made the mistake before of equating beautiful features with a beautiful heart, and been terribly disappointed. What was I thinking? Americans are so concerned about appearances, but not nearly so concerned about their inner lives and character.

I have a bunch of Bible verses on our bathroom mirrors, written in lipstick. Maybe I'm trying to even out the time I spend on my face with the time I spend looking into His face. Not a bad idea when I'm paying attention (emphasis on the WHEN). It's my heart I'm really concerned about, and I'm very aware of how much more obvious the condition of my heart is versus the condition of my face. If that's in order, I don't mind putting a little goo on for my husband. OK, Honey?

What about you? How's your heart today, makeup or not?