Just this past week I saw this chest. It was laced in classic 1980's gold trim and had this picture on the side. I found myself in (not so) serious thought and discussion about this chest.

What do baseball and puppies have in common?

Do they use the chest to store puppies or baseball equipment in?

Is this classic Americana?

Why? Why would anyone put these two things together and put them on the side of a chest? I just didn't get it, and I still really don't get it. 

My best guess is that they put these two seemingly unrelated things together in the name of an emotional response. Whoever designed this piece of "classic art" did it in a way that evoke some sort of response emotionally. It is supposed to make us go, "awwww" and be all cutesy about what this particular piece really is. The outside may be covered in baseballs & puppies, but on the inside it is still just a chest. 

No matter what you put on the outside it doesn't change what it really is on the inside, it doesn't change the truth.

In my life this is a lesson I've learned the hard way. For the longest time I thought that if I put on a smiley face, or pretended like nothing was wrong then maybe it wouldn't be. Maybe I could just fake what was really going on. 

I'm learning that this is the definition of insanity. Putting a pretty picture on the truth and calling it something different. 

I think in my walk of faith I have to do something different. I have to live a life of character, and when I fail (which I certainly will) I have to just call it what it is; the truth. 

Psalm 25:4-5

Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,   and my hope is in you all day long.

What is your truth?

Is there anything in your life you are trying to cover up with a pretty picture?

What does reality look like?

Lord, please help us stay focused on the truth. Despite whatever pretty picture is on the outside, help us to see what we are really designed to do. Help us live a life of character.