anti-aging.

I have always had an appreciation for other people’snatural beauty.

My Nana’s dainty hands that reminded me of a ceramic doll. She was 70 something when she passed & she still had the most beautiful hands I’ve ever seen.

The dimple in my husband’s chin. It’s nothing short of perfect. My favorite place to kiss.

My sister’s sparkly green eyes that are met with freckled eyelids.

And then there’s Anthony Hopkins. Even as an older man with a bit of a belly, I find him hauntingly attractive.

I can appreciate the imperfections of others….but often; not my own.

I’d recently noticed my complexion didn’t seem as bright as it once did. And the dark spots under my eyes tell the story of the struggle I have with broken sleep.

I made a mental note to began the war on age.

Someone recently told me that caffeine has been proven to age a person’s skin faster than any other element. (Say whaaaat? ) But since, I cannot function above zombie level without a cup of coffee (or 3) , I concluded an at home facial would be a good start.

Coincidentally I began Day 2 of the James study headed up by shereadstruth.com . After reading this passage the Holy Spirit dealt with me in loving correction.

“Consider it a sheer GIFT when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
“So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it’s work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way”. {James 1:2,4} MSG (emphasis mine)

My mind drifted back to my ability to embrace imperfections in others but so quick to get rid of mine. So it is in the spirit. I’ve been quick to pray diligently for others in trials & hold on to the promises God made them in spite of the circumstances they are facing. But in my own corner of life I’ve been fighting the “aging” process instead of rejoicing IN the process.

Lord, get me out of this!

instead of….

Lord, strengthen me IN this.

Every trial, every issue, every circumstance …. has the ability to teach us, prepare us & empower us …. If we are willing to endure.

Embrace the wrinkles, freckles & dimpled places. In God’s time…everything is beautiful.