Because God

But the Lord said to Samuel,

“Do not consider his appearance or his height,

for I have rejected him.

The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

I’m not aging gracefully.

In fact, I am so over getting old.

My hair — once thick brown curls with coppery highlights — resembles a wrinkled, dingy bedsheet. My eyes droop. Colorless dots and dark patches discolor my face. Glancing at baked goods adds pounds — not ounces. Eating dessert requires a new wardrobe.

It’s driving me crazy!

But it shouldn’t.

Because God’s got this.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

When I recite that verse, breathe deeply, and step away from the mirror, I remember I’m God’s creation, magnificently made exactly as I am.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

The transitive property in mathematics defines that if A=B and B=C, then A=C.

Applying that principle to my aging angst, if I am God’s creation, and God’s creations are wonderful, then I am wonderful.

If I praise Him for that proven fact, then I’m prompted/forced to see the silver lining of this aging ordeal and put into words gratitude for the person I am today:

• I’m humbled by those who say my white hair inspires them.
• I’m blessed with mobility and delight in taking my dogs on long walks.
• I’m thankful for family and friends who adore my cooking and baking, who enjoy time together every chance we get.

What I see in the mirror doesn’t matter. What others think when they see my wrinkles and age spots doesn’t matter. Outward appearance doesn’t matter because God is looking at my heart.

Because God…

Now there’s something worth considering!

I don’t have to carry burdens and heavy concerns because God…

I don’t have to fear the future because God…

I don’t have to walk alone because God…

I’m loved, I’m safe, and I’m accepted because God…

We can finish those statements in many accurate ways:

…because God shares the load.

…because God guides my path.

…because God is with me.

…because God created me.

…because God claims me.

…because God loves me.

Because God

When we worry our clothes don’t flatter us the way they used to…when our hair refuses to do what we want…when skin sags…and when we hardly recognize our reflection, we remind ourselves of this: it doesn’t matter.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me, for seeing me, and for looking only at my heart. When this earthly life challenges me, breathe your truth into me — that because of you, God, I am wonderful; I am beautiful. Because of you, Father, I am free to love even myself. Because of you, Jesus, I am saved. In your name, amen.

With love and hugs,