Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: The Prom (08/02/04)
TITLE: It's All About the Dress By Joanne Malley 08/04/04 |
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I waited nervously in the bathroom even though I was more than ready. I checked my hair a “bazillion” times and peeked at the rear view of my off-the-shoulder killer dress! The full-length mirror accurately reflected an excited, but nervous young lady going to her first prom.
Hearing the doorbell ring made my stomach find new residence in my throat. I heard my mother greet my date in her usual gracious manner.
“Honey, John is here,” my mom called to me, with sheer excitement in her voice.
Those four words settled upon my ears like a death sentence. I knew my entrance down the stairs and into the living room would be far from gracious in those high heels. Up until now, Barbizon modeling school did very little to correct the klutz gene that I inherited from my father!
“Ok, I’ll be down in a minute,” I replied through a cracked voice.
I think my nervous stomach was completely ruling over all bodily functions now!
I applied my last touch of lipstick with my right hand. I was clearly suffering from an incurable case of trembling. I was amazed that I actually hit the target of my two quivering lips. Would he try to kiss them tonight? Uh, oh, my nervous stomach was now causing tidal waves of nausea!
Once he was in the house and pacing the floors, I decided to make him wait just a little longer. After all, I knew female etiquette quite well and wanted to take the fullest advantage of exercising my feminine rights!
Realizing he suffered enough, I finally decided to take the longest walk of my life toward my handsome escort. I experienced a miracle as I approached my date…I was still standing!
While holding a beautiful wrist corsage, John looked straight at me with a rather dazzled stare.
“It’s great to see you. You look beautiful,” he said.
He didn’t have to speak. The dazzled stare said it all. My enchanted evening had officially begun.
We arrived and entered through the fancy doors of The Blackstone Inn. Down the hall was the Onyx Room where the magic of the evening would begin.
As we looked for our table, the tune of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” invited us in to experience the theme of the evening’s Senior Prom.
We settled at table number twelve. A few of the girls and I began chatting immediately as we shared comments about what we were wearing. I felt so flattered that I received so many compliments. Remember…it’s all about the dress!
Dinner went rather smoothly and my dress was free of any stains from my meal--another miracle! Despite my knocking knees and slightly sweaty brow, I also survived the slow dances and even the kiss!
My date, however, didn’t fare so well. I learned later that evening that he met with a snowstorm in the Men’s Room and it landed straight up his nose--mind you, it was mid-June.
I guess I really didn’t know him. Feeling completely disappointed that my enchanted evening was ruined, my night really would forever remain only about the dress.
Being of youthful stupidity, I got in the car with my date. He sniffled all the way home, while I was filled with embittered emotion. We never spoke again. Thank goodness for the One who saw me safely home. I was one lucky young lady that night.
Many years later, that evening offers me wonderful meaning and promise. One day, as I step into eternity while walking up the stairway to heaven, I’ll be wearing my “dress” of obedience and service to the Lord.
I will remember seeing the many stains I’ve acquired through my life. Our sinful world and my inherent nature made me unable to remain totally pure despite my heartfelt desire.
But as the face of the Lord appears before me, I will realize that the stains really aren’t there. He wiped them away many years ago when He called me to follow Him.
The Lord said, “It’s great to see you. You look beautiful.”
Those words of many years ago rang so familiar. However, this time, they held much more meaning.
I looked down at my dress and it was as white as newly fallen snow.
I smiled, took His hand, and thought to myself, “it truly is all about the “dress.”