Beauty From the Far Side of the Hill

Gary and I just celebrated our 44^th wedding anniversary. And even though we’ve had a happy life together, I just can’t believe we’re here. How could I possibly be old enough to celebrate a 44^th anniversary?

I remember the first time I realized I was losing my youthful edge. As a conservative young wife and mother, I was relatively content. After all, Daddy said I was beautiful, and my husband, Gary, seemed okay with my efforts.

But then that fateful day came. I was stopped at a red light while driving my daughter, Christina, to cheerleader practice when I noticed a nice young man in the car left of me.

The gentleman was looking my way. Of course, I didn’t look at him. I mean, how tacky would THAT be? But I could feel his stares.

I’ve still got it. Even after all these years, I’ve still got it.

I smiled and turned toward Christina, seated in the passenger’s seat. She was smiling, too. Life was good.

She waved.

I waved back.

Her rolling eyes broke my reverie. Her hand motions signaled my foolishness.

I followed her eyes—past me and straight to the young man in the car next door.

He waved at Christina.

She smiled.

I slunk down in my seat. Reality had it. Needless to say, my quest for beauty was kicked up a notch that day.

I know, I know—it’s awful that I even cared whether a stranger thought I looked good or not. And I hate to admit it, but even now, as a grandmother of four, I still want people to think I’m beautiful. But—being a grandmother of four—I’m often reminded of what little I have to work with.

Praise God He isn’t interested in my age or wrinkles or body shape. He’s concerned with the inner beauty, the only beauty He desires.

So, how do we develop the inner beauty God is looking for? I Peter 3:3-4 says, Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

The first time I seriously read that passage, I thought I was going to croak. (Actually, I thought I was going to throw up, but I’m not sure that’s something I should say here.) A gentle and quiet spirit? Was God really talking to me?

My natural self is anything but gentle and quiet. For me, excitable and loud is probably more like it. But excitable and loud aren’t high on God’s priority list. And neither is lovely, or shapely, or young. Truth is, those words hold absolutely no value as far as God is concerned. That doesn’t mean we have to ignore our appearance. It simply means God isn’t impressed with our package.

But a gentle and quiet spirit? A pure heart? Now, that’s the beauty God is looking for. And that’s a beauty we can all have. But be prepared. This beauty doesn’t come without a price. It takes sacrifice, and it may require some pain. How well I know.

But the rewards are eternal, and they can satisfy for life…a nice long life.