Wrinkles

When I look in the mirror I see many things. The older I get the more wrinkles are born.

Deep lines appear in sunburst-like perfection around each eye every time I smile.

I could attempt to be perpetually serious, as to appear more youth-like, but it's an impossibility—for there are far too many things to be joyful about. I just can't seem to keep my smile contained ... and I have no desire to do so.

You see, I'm asking God to teach me lessons daily. To talk to me even in the smallest of situations in my life. So God, speak to me through every wrinkle.

I know many people who wish they were younger. Who wish they could hang on to their youthful fervor forever. People who desperately desire to be perpetually 25 years old—as if they were in a reenactment of Ground Hogs Day starring Bill Murray.

This is not the way I want to live my life. In fact, every year I progress in age my heart wells up with deeper thankfulness. Age is not to be despised, it is to be warmly welcomed and embraced. As each new year passes I realize it is a year that was not promised to me by God, rather it is a gift straight from His heart to me. Each day, each week, each month, each year—a gift.

Getting older is a privilege not a burden.

So as I stare in the mirror, analyzing the wrinkles that appear, my smile grows larger. They are symbols of a rich, long life that God has blessed me with and I wouldn't trade them for the world. Mountains and valleys are marked in those wrinkles. Miracles are there. The faithfulness of God in every indentation.

Every decade thus far of my life has gotten richer in God, and I trust as I nestle in close to Him life will keep getting better. I believe the same for you my sweet friend.

Wrinkles are my reward. Perhaps the verse in Proverbs 16:31 that says "Grey hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life," should be a life verse for this season. An ever-present-reminder that often times what the world hides, God views as a mark of glory.

"My prayer for you is that every year with Jesus gets sweeter and sweeter. That you embrace who you are today, wrinkles and all, instead of wishing for days gone by. Each day is a gift, sweet friend."

Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio