When our older daughter was in Brownies as a part of Girls Guides in Scotland (Girl Scouts in the USA), each girl had a small leather purse on the belt of their uniform. They were required to have 20 pence for a telephone emergency call and a handkerchief in the pouch along with other emergency items. Now day, finding a pay phone anywhere, even in Scotland, is very unlikely. Handkerchief is not as common as it once was. A packet of tissues seems more sanitary and easy to throw away. I still carry a hanky most of the time and it can be a useful pocket piece adaptable for multiple uses. Many men used to carry a small pocket knife. Safety check points and metal detectors have made that a less common practice. A wallet, keys, and a cell phone seem basic pocket gear. I’m not sure what the brownies do recommend for wee girls in Scotland. Contracting diabetes as many have, mean we have more gear to carry. Women solve this with a purse, but men generally settle for stuffed pockets. A “man bag”, however functional often results in merciless teasing. I am considering the Batman solution of a utility belt, but I’m still concerned about how ridiculous I might look. “Varity of varieties, all is vanity.” So I will probably continue to stuff my pockets and hope for the best. How did good practical advice for young Scottish girls evolve into such complicated adult practices? No doubt we are even more self- conscious of our appearance to others than even children are. I wonder if we will ever fully let practicality outweigh appearance. Jesus only had one coat although the description that it was woven without a seam, indicates that it was a good one. Perhaps it was both practical and attractive. We could count this a win-win for Jesus. Practical and attractive sound good for us all.