The Mirror DOESN'T say it all!

Do you think it perhaps began with Snow White and that magic mirror that spoke the truth about who was fairest of all? I wonder.

I recently came across an article that was talking about the aging process. The author mentioned that though most of our aging is gradual and steady, and begins from the moment of birth, there are two decades that see a greater and faster progression. These occur in our 40s and again in our 60s.

Lovely.

After reading that article I went into the bathroom to take a closer look at myself. Most days I use the mirror as a tool, a simple measure of whether or not my hair is behaving itself or my little knit cap is on straight. I use it as an aid to slap on a little mascara or to help in getting that necklace clasp fastened. I try my best never to look at it as a means of determining whether or not I measure up in the "fairest of all" category.

'Cause I can tell you right now... I don't.

But THIS morning, I looked. I looked deep and long and with an eye more critical than I cared.

Yep. I do believe there are more of those fine, little lines than were there in what seems like just weeks ago. And the few gray hairs that until recently I had thought were kind of flattering now seemed to just fall... well, flat.

In truth, nothing had changed... nothing except my perception.

I think I had much rather view my countenance more like an impressionist painting. Up too close, all you see are the lines. Back away a bit and the beautiful picture comes into perspective.

Years ago, at one of our women's retreats, I joked that I needeed a shirt that said, "I'm not old; I'm vintage!" I still want it! Things that are vintage develop "patina," that exquisite color and crazing that come about only with age and use. My wrinkles, gray hairs, and scars are my "patina," and I believe for all women they are what make us most beautiful. They tell the story of a life lived to the fullest in service to God, in service to our families, and in service to others.

In old-world countries like Europe, age is valued. Buildings that have stood for hundreds of years, boast their centuries proudly, despite their fading paint and cracking plaster. The layers formed by the passage of time do nothing to detract from their beauty. The beauty is only enhanced by it.

Oh, if we could only see ourselves that way!

There is much we can do to keep healthy and active, which helps both our productivity and our outlook on life in general; but we can't stop the aging process, and I, for one, wouldn't want to. With every passing day here, I'm one day closer to there... to the place I was always meant to be... to Jesus.

It's a wonderful life. It really is. To be given the privilege of growing old, of seeing our children move into adulthood, of seeing our grandchildren born... is one of life's greatest blessings.

I wouldn't trade any of it for a better looking view in the mirror, because my view from here...

is pretty amazing.