I paid a recent visit to our youngest son’s apartment. Holding a place of prominence on his wall has to the be the most garish piece of art I’ve ever seen. It resembles zoo scrapings fired from a cannon onto canvas. He loves it! Me on the other hand, I don’t think I could enjoy it even if I were staring at it under the influence of laughing gas. The world has a euphemism for things like this, “To each his own.” While I’m sure he was giddy with his “masterpiece” find from the garage sale, I rather would have spent my five cents on the bent cool whip lids on the clearance table. I know I could always find a use for those.

This week as my wife and I strolled the shopping mall for the first time since last Christmas, I couldn’t get over the choice of music in every store. If it wasn’t hip hop music with it’s annoying lyrics, then it was hip hop music with its annoying rhythms. That was the complete choice of music. I bet if I had a kiosk in the center courtyard, I could have made a killing selling foam ear plugs to anyone over 40 for a dollar.

Do you sometimes feel as if the world is out of step with you? I do. There doesn’t appear to be true balance anywhere. It extends from everything from entertainment to fashion. Sure you might have color choices when you shop for clothes, but why do most dresses look like you’re a mummy from an archeological dig? While wrap dresses may look good on a size 1 teenager, what if you’re a size 16+? Then it resembles a parachute with a less prominent rip cord.

The fashion world stands guilty of one of the greatest false advertising campaigns. They say every woman must be built the same and all must wear pads in everything. God forbid we see a women as God actually created them. Culture wants all women to resemble Jessica Rabbit the cartoon character. The typical chest size is no longer acceptable. We are led to believe you only look good if you look like you’re shoplifting watermelons from Kroger’s under your sweater. Built too short? Wear heels so high you have to put your wrist watch on Mountain Time. Are you a little chunky? Cinch yourself up in elastic so tight you look like a busted can of biscuits. A little silver in the hair, curl up and dye. I say bring on the geriatric life, less peer pressure when you’re 100 years old.

Recently comedienne Joan Rivers known for her ribald off-color humor passed away. She was eulogized for being funny, witty, and innovative. Several cartoons even proclaimed she was now in Heaven entertaining God with her humor. I may be old fashioned, but I think God wants us to be the way He created us, naturally beautiful without all the padding and dyeing. Oh, and I may be going out on a limb here, but no offense to Ms. Rivers and the media. I think it’s safe to say God doesn’t fancy dirty jokes either.