What's in; What's Out

Jesus told this story: "A rich man had a big farm. 'I know what to do with all the food!' he thought. 'I'll store it and then party, because I'll have food for years!' But God said, 'You fool! You're going to die tonight. What will happen to all you saved up?'" Jesus finished, "That's what happens when people hoard everything, but aren't rich in what matters to God. Don't worry about what you'll eat or wear. Birds and flowers don't, and God takes care of them!"

A big chunk of kids and teens today say they want careers in fashion. Besides all the magazines devoted to it, there are reality TV shows that challenge future designers to create something eye-catching with the hope of getting a job in the fashion industry.

Those who don't care about what's hot and what's not can suffer for it socially, too. But in this week's Gospel (Luke 12:13-21), Jesus pointed out that focusing only on fashion can be the real failure.

If you're interested in fashion, there's a lot of information to absorb. Styles are always changing, and not just clothing: Everything from shoes to cell phone designs can be "in" or "out."

Catching up on new styles can be fun and interesting - even a good career for some people. But the Gospel story is a good reminder than there's more to life than what's "in" today.

The rich man Jesus described had it all: money, food, friends. He probably had the best clothes, too! But as Jesus said, birds and flowers don't exactly much spend time worrying about food or fashion, yet God makes sure they're fed and "well dressed."

Jesus didn't advise people wear rags or starve. He just wanted there to be a balance, so you can be happy however you end up. A career in fashion may be a good goal - as long as you're not obsessed with it while you're getting there!