Beauty generates a visceral response. It instantly feeds the soul. Yet there is another layer of complexity to our perception of it. It is in the meaning of what we see, where we look, and what we are telling ourselves about it. I want my girls to know they can view the intricacies of a flower and feel awash of peace from its natural beauty. I also want them to look in the mirror at every stage of their lives and notice the beauty that God sees. At 10, the beauty of the energy that can't stand still in front of a mirror, as the body starts to change. At 17 the vulnerable beauty in the eyes, as they bypass the acne. At 23, the vision expressed through a beautiful mouth ready to take on the world. At 30, the beauty in the baby bump though it wears them down and changes shape. At 40 past the stretch marks and new wrinkles, the beauty of the hands in constant motion for others. At 55, past the graying hair, to see the beauty in the gentleness learned through life, as hardships come and go. To see at 65 past the sagging chin and wider middle, the face that is in the grandchildren wanting those eyes on them. At 75 to see in the lines on the forehead years of life lived well and love given. At 88, to see the dignity and joy inside the still brilliant eyes looking at what God has done. And in the last moments to see Jesus' beauty that lived in them their entire lives, looking back in the mirror, and saying "well done my good and faithful servant."
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