The Twirl Test

"And because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every
wrong path." Psalm 19:128 NIV

 (Original Post: Wednesday, January 5, 2011)

For every little boy who’s dreamed of becoming a policeman or fireman, there’s a little girl who wants be a ballerina. My theory is, in many instances, they just like the clothes. Fortunately for my three girls, Grandma had a closet filled with recital costumes, prom dresses, hats, high heels and gloves. What a time they had (my mother included) pulling everything out, listening to stories of who wore this or that, and parading up and back as they modeled for an ever present audience...the camera.

Becky was the smallest of the granddaughters, and the only cousin who could fit into my sister’s old ballerina costume - the daisy-studded one with a yellow tutu skirt. Somehow the sandals didn’t do the outfit justice, but all the same...when the straps slipped over Becky’s shoulders, she WAS a ballerina. I wonder what visions danced in her head as she dizzily twisted and twirled in circles so her tutu could fly with the wind! When she worked in the kids' department at Nordstrom, she told little girls that every dress needs to pass the “twirl test” to make sure it’s just right.

Summer of 1985 - the girl cousins at Grandma's house

It’s too bad the “twirl test” doesn’t apply to everything in life. If there was an easy way to tell when other things were right (or not), think how many mistakes we could teach our children to avoid. There’s another test that became an iconic phrase in the 90’s...”what would Jesus do?” The profound simplicity of this question is possibly the best test for decision-making you can give your child. Ground them in the Word of God, enlighten them on the heart and character of Christ, and simply remind them He is with them wherever they go and whatever they do. Would He approve? What would He say? Hmm. I think that might work for us grown-ups, too... 

Heavenly Father, help me arm my children with the knowledge of the character of Christ so they test and make their decisions based upon what they believe He would do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.