Our Trophies
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I was looking in the mirror recently as I brushed my teeth. I was struck by all my wrinkles. I've gained a lot of them in recent years. And then, out of nowhere the thought came to me - many of those wrinkles represent something I've lived through, something I've endured. They are "trophies" that show I've made it through! Instead of wishing they were all gone, I was able to be grateful that I've "survived" the stresses and problems that brought them. I actually had a bit of a giggle as I thought of my face as a "road map" of our unexpected journey! And I laughed at how God speaks to me in the most unusual ways!
It reminded me of conversations Floyd and I had had. We talked about the beauty of older faces - how they represented life. As we traveled, we would sometimes look for beautiful, wizened faces - while wondering what the people had been through in life. We decided we liked older faces because they told a story. I often wished I could capture them in a drawing or painting.
I think my face tells a story - a story of God's goodness and faithfulness! I have been on a roller coaster of wild experiences in recent years, and God has gotten me through them. He has been right by my side, sometimes carrying me, and has helped me keep going. He has met my every need. He has given me strength and grace for every situation I've faced. He has brought counsel to every decision I've made. He has protected me time and time again. He has been with me in the darkest nights. He has held my hand and been my companion on every rocky road. I am so grateful!
The world often frowns on our older faces. Advertisers tell us about their miracle creams that get rid of the wrinkles. I use lots of cream on my wrinkles. :) Millions of dollars are spent every year trying to keep looking young. I'm not saying I particularly "like" my wrinkles, but the thought that came to me the other day of what they represent has given me a fresh perspective when I look in the mirror. I'm grateful to be alive and I'm grateful for every trial and tribulation I've persevered through that has brought those wrinkles. God has been so good to me!
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
I wonder what Job looked like after all his trials. When the Bible talks about restoring Job's fortunes - maybe some of his wrinkles disappeared. Wouldn't that be nice?! As I look in the mirror now, I'm not counting my wrinkles - I'm counting my blessings......because God has gotten me through so many trials on our unexpected journey. I can't praise Him enough!
In a novel I've been reading, the minister was speaking from Matthew 16:24, 25. "Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.' "
The minister went on to say that the same words in almost the same form appear five times in the New Testament. It means they are the most often quoted words that Jesus made during His ministry here on earth. I'm sure that wasn't by accident. If the writers of the New Testament included those words over and over, it must have been because Jesus was telling them that over and over.
As I mentioned in my last post, Joshua 24 says "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve." It's the same idea but in the Old Testament. We have to daily choose, deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow - the words are different but the concept is the same. It's an ongoing, continual process. We don't get it done and check it off our list. It has to stay on our "to do" list for each day!
While thinking of this, I was watching a program on TV. It suddenly became clear to me how many choices the characters in the program were making. We, too, do that all through our day. We just need to make sure our choices are centered on following Jesus in everything we do. The saying that was popular years ago - "what would Jesus do" - is more important than ever to be asking ourselves. We face pressures all around us to make choices. We just need to make sure we're taking up the cross Jesus has for us in following Him.
With Floyd's passing, I'm in a new season of life. Of course I'm still fighting the battle with cancer, but I'm also finding my way in what God has for me - and I'm making that daily choice to follow Jesus in whatever He has for me. It's a wonderful journey to follow Him. He is so good and faithful - and He has new adventures for us as we walk by His side.