Fashion trends come and go, but the steadfast love in marriage remains forever.
Yesterday, I wore my absolute favorite jeans. They are a size 12 flair (because flair is BACK BABY!), and they are long, which my five foot-nine self always appreciates.
Today, I grabbed a different pair of jeans. They were a different brand, a different style, and a size 14. I couldn’t even get those puppies all the way up to my hip bones. So I grabbed another pair of the brand from yesterday, this time skinny jeans in a size 14. They fit exactly like the ones I wore the day before.
I say that to say this: Sizing is Subjective.
The values and sizes put on our clothes by the world fit whatever the world decides they will be. It is not up to us; it is up to the manufacturer, and it changes more often than we do. There isn’t a logical guide system to make every brand and every style fit the same. Boy, wouldn’t that be nice? Objective sizing *sigh*
What My Husband Said
I also say this to tell you about the conversation happening between me in my jean struggle and my husband in the other room.
As he listens to the struggle and my commentary, he asks me, “can’t you just wear leggings to work?”
I told him, “Well, yeah, depending on how I style them, but wearing leggings every day doesn’t keep me as honest as my jeans do!”
His reply was no surprise to me, “Just wear the leggings.”
My man is one in a million. He fell in love with me at my least healthy, loved me at the peak of my health journey, and still loves me in a season of healing. My jean size doesn’t change my value in his eyes.
This steadfast, unchanging love is one aspect of a healthy marriage.
The priorities of the world are so different from the priorities that happen within a healthy relationship.
Most marriages will go through a few fashion trends through the years. The world will change it’s mind about what is attractive and important. A true spouse doesn’t have feelings that are swayed so easily. He loves you for so much more than the size of your jeans, even if the world says otherwise.
Jesus looks at you and says, “In this season, at this time, the vessel may look different, but I love you the exact same. Sweetheart, just put on the leggings.”
The Ultimate Marriage
This marital reality points to a more important marriage relationship: the bride and the Bridegroom. Our Bridegroom, Jesus, does not see us as the world sees us. His opinion of us doesn’t change as we change. But we can get really hung up on the numbers and the values placed on us by the world.
While we struggle and grunt to fit a mold we were never meant to fit, Jesus tells us to “just put on the leggings.” He loves us regardless. It doesn’t matter if we’re in a season where certain things are different about our size or our shape; the values of the world have absolutely no bearing on the degree that He loves us.
My husband loves me no matter what size I am. I have been everywhere from 170 pounds to 230 pounds, and he loves me the exact same, if not a little more, as the years have gone by.
Jesus is the same way.
When the subjective values of the world tell you, “I only love you when you fit in this ever-changing parameter.” Jesus looks at you and says, “In this season, at this time, the vessel may look different, but I love you the exact same. Sweetheart, just put on the leggings.”
Jesus tells all who are weary to come to Him and rest. Let’s face it, no one rests in their jeans, anyway.
Krisi Crabb is a Revelation Wellness Instructor (Platoon 23) leading fitness and wellness. She is also an autism advocate and author along with her husband, Joey, for their son, Eli.
2 Responses
SHEWWWW!! I am right in the middle of this today. He is so good to see us and never leave us where we are, thank you for sharing your heart and your story today. It has definitely been balm to me.
We’re so glad this blog post blessed your heart! Stay tuned for a Marriage Guide coming out at the end of May!