For the bargain price of, oh, $100 bucks, you can get a brand new pair of designer jeans that look JUST like the ones I had to spend months and months achieving when I was a teen.
I would take my brand new Jordache jeans (or Calvin Klein, Guess, Gloria Vanderbilt, etc–don’t laugh) and set to work on them. They couldn’t look like I just cut a hole in them. That wouldn’t be authentic. So, I’d shave the knees with a razor blade until the fabric gave way in some sort of a frayed pattern.
Then, to make the bottom edges look like I’d been wearing those beloved but brand-new jeans for years, I’d pluck some strings through the hem and pull really hard. Eventually, the fraying would commence. Then, it only took about 15 loads of laundry to get them soft and comfortable. I wonder if Mom knew I washed my jeans so many times. I’m sure she’d think it was a waste of water and electricity. But after a few short hours and many gallons of water, I could achieve nearly the same effect that you can purchase today.
But is it really the same? Can manufactured comfort ever really match up to the real softness and wearability that only comes about through months, even years of working, wearing, walking and just being? The jeans might look cool–and that’s an okay goal, too–but as brand new jeans, do they slip on and bring comfort like an old friend?
The theme of this blog incorporates denim because it’s one of my favorite things. I’m not a dressy person–never have been. I’m more comfy-casual, always stretch the envelop to the casual side rather than risk being overdressed for anything. Give me a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and I’m in heaven. If I have to dress nicely, dark jeans and a jacket will do nicely, thank you very much. But as much as I love a great pair of jeans, nothing can replace the hard-won relationship I have with my favorite pair.
Is your relationship with Jesus like a pair a loving worn and matured jeans? Or is it a manufactured, forced thing that looks like you think it should but doesn’t feel anything like something that’s been nurtured and developed to fit like a comfortable pair of jeans?
Don’t force your relationship with God. Let it develop naturally, over time, by digging into His word and praying. And listening. Eventually, it’ll feel like that perfect denim–like an old friend.
Now, tell me about your favorite pair of jeans… 
And are skinny jeans in or out?
Ps. If you scroll to the bottom of the comment page, you can even upload a picture of your favorite jeans!
Great post! I haven’t been a teen in a while, but I’m obsessed with that time of life and how we come through it and how that affects our faith. This is such great advice – “let it develop naturally, over time.” Beautiful. Hang on through the times of doubt, don’t fret over the times when you don’t feel close to him like you think you should. He wants to win us. Give him a chance to do it.
Thanks a bunch. I appreciate the comment and completely agree!