Day 21

I really want a new tattoo. I know, that's not what people typically hear pastor's wives say, but who ever said I was typical? I've wanted another one for several years now, but I can't settle on what I want it to look like exactly, or where I want it placed, therefore no tattoo. If you're gonna put something on you forever, you gotta make sure it's right. So I guess the question is, would I be stewarding my body and money well?

I know there's all sorts of Biblical arguments out there regarding tattoos . . . I've not heard one yet that I think holds any weight, and most of the passages quoted are taken out of context to suit people's biases. Then there's the group who thinks tattoos make you look trashy . . . to which I say, trashy is an attitude you exude, not a look, and that's a huge stereotype to make based purely on someone's looks. Then there's the group who wonders why you would want something on you when you're 80 that your grandkids can see that you got on a whim when you were younger . . . if they're my grandkids, they're gonna love me no matter what, and I would never just get something done on a whim but rather with tons of thought and consideration. (My grandpa carved my grandma's initials on his arm when he was in WWII, and I think it's the coolest thing ever)! Finally, there's the group who believes you shouldn't get them because you might get passed up for a job by a future employer . . . seriously, welcome to 2012! Sure, if you decide to get your inspiration from Mike Tyson, you may get passed up, but if you choose a tasteful placement for your tattoo that can be covered up lest it offend, that becomes a non-issue. And who am I kidding . . . I'm never going to work in a field that would be that offended by my sporting a tattoo, AND, to be clear, I already have one, so I guess that knocks me out of the running for those jobs anyway!

Now money . . . if you don't know, tattoos aren't cheap. You can plan on spending at least $50-$100/hour on a tattoo, and it goes up from there depending on the detail work, etc. Usually there's a minimum of $50 if you want a teeny 1x1 or 2x2 inch tattoo. So, is this the best use of my money? I imagine if I save and don't go in debt over it, that's a good start. If I've tithed, put food in my kids' mouths, meet our budget, pay our bills, put some in the bank, and done all the things we do with our money each month, and I've designated my personal savings to go towards it, then one could argue I'm in the clear. Some could also argue no, that I should be doing something for the Kingdom of God with my money. But again, who's to say this wouldn't be used for that?

Bottom line, I can justify both sides of the arguments, but the fact remains, I really want a new tattoo. Thankfully, this is not a salvation issue, and thankfully, my God is big enough to handle people with tattoos!