Radiance, Not Wrinkles

Radiance, Not Wrinkles
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 by Cathy Everitt

Psalms 34:5 and 19:8, NIV

When I looked into the mirror yesterday, I received a shock. I didn’t hate what I saw, and I didn’t take just a cursory look. I thought I saw a younger version of myself, and felt something almost like an appreciation of beauty. You can imagine why I got a shock.

Since my upper eyelids now cover all the eyelashes and most of the green of the eyes, the mirror has not been my favorite friend. So I don’t spend much time with it. Quick glances to check for anything too embarrassing, that’s the routine. Closer looks might lead to misery or discontent. I hear many women moan about wrinkles, lines, bags, dark circles, and gravity. Quite a few have gone under the knife and raved about their results.

I try to concentrate instead on the beauty around me, and find more than I can count or retell. Seeing beauty in my mirror? That could only have come as a miracle. I saw something like radiance, as if I had fallen in love. It eclipsed every wrinkle and even made me happy with my hair!

More than thirty years ago, Jesus called me Beautiful and it made me more content, because if He could see it, that would be enough. Yesterday He gave me a glimpse of seeing it myself, right after I’d spent time letting Him love on me. I had sung praises to Him from the Psalms, written to Him in my journal, and then He gave me words to write down in answer. He reminded me who I am and Whose I am.

The pleasure and satisfaction made my shoulders relax and drop from their usual elevated position. Breathing slowed and deepened. Gratitude and a sense of wellness overflowed and energized.

I’m glad I looked in the mirror right after that, so I could notice radiance instead of wrinkles.

Share This Blog:

Comments

Annette Hengge From Florida At 8/19/2018 7:06:38 PM

Thank you so much for sharing that!

Reply by: Cathy Everitt

Thank you for reading and commenting, Annette.

Lydia From Youngstown At 3/21/2018 8:17:08 PM

I hope I have that experience some day! (Usually I just notice that after putting on makeup:) Regardless, spending early morning time with the Lord puts a glow in my heart. Thanks for this "invitation" to go and do likewise--enjoy fellowship with the Lord.

Reply by: Cathy Everitt

Thank you so much for your encouragement, Lydia. I've never failed to see the love of Jesus shining in your face.

Jenna From Cork Ireland At 3/20/2018 6:49:19 PM

Beautiful words Cathy of the love He has for us. How he should you how beautiful you are and how open you were to see. I enjoyed reading it. Xxx

Reply by: Cathy Everitt

Jenna,you were a great blessing to me on this most recent trip to Ireland. You're in my gratitude journal twice.

Joyce Soares From Panama City, Florida At 11/25/2017 5:28:40 PM

Cathy, just checked out your blog site and read the article about looking in the mirror! Fantastic writing as usual. You certainly have brought to life my favorite scripture. "Let the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be pleasing to you oh Lord"!!