“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; a blessing to
be cherished.” ~ Proverbs
16:31
The morning was damp and dismal
when Joan unlocked the door to her Aunt Florence’s house. Aunt Flo left the house to Joan in her will,
which was unexpected … yet touching. She’d
barely miss her deceased aunt though, since visits with Aunt Flo had been infrequent
of late.
The home’s interior sat silent and even colder than the
outside world, almost as if it were longing for its owner’s return. It’d been some time since anyone had cared for
the home.
After exploring the first floor, Joan climbed the stairs to an
attic. Antiques crowded the stuffy space; the gems of times past, expressions
of a life well lived.
As she scanned the clutter, a burst of sunlight broke
through the grey clouds illuminating an ornate mirror in one corner; its pride
and glory still intact.
Joan stepped closer, gazing at her own reflection. Most people would do the same – looking for
reassurance of their self-worth. Sometimes
however, the view had just the opposite effect.
Her mirror face revealed a lifetime of pain. Her hair was greying now; more age spots dotted
her skin. Her wrinkles were deeper, the
enamel on her teeth was dulling. She’d
recently ordered a stronger pair of glasses and griped to God about it all.
"Why do our bodies start to wear out just when we
finally learn how to live?" she questioned.
God, in His infinite patience and unconditional love,
answered Joan immediately when a curious thought entered her
consciousness. "The car you drive
isn't as valuable as the driver!"
Joan smiled at that.
She’d driven so many old, used cars in her life, each with their own,
unique "personalities." They all had quirks, troubles, and
problems. Each one required patience and
maintenance. But they always got her
where she was going.
Now that her body was starting to wear down, rattle, and
backfire God was reminding Joan that she wasn't that body - she was the person
behind the steering wheel. She was the
bright, shining soul within; an ageless, spirit. And while her car wasn't going to last
forever, the driver would.
Take good care of this body you drive around then. Nurture it.
Keep it in good repair. Make it
last as long as you can. But always
remember it isn't you. You’re the person
behind the wheel; the loving soul within. The image you see in the mirror was chosen for
you by a God who’s very pleased with His creation, from the gray hairs on your
head to the calluses on your feet.
Lord, help me to see the changes in my hair and
the aging of my face, not as signs of my decline, but as the markers of growth,
well-earned wisdom and a celebration of years spent walking with You. Amen
