I Choose to be Beautiful...Today!

I am more beautiful now at almost, soon-to-be… 55… than I have ever been before. And I have every expectation of being more beautiful as I become older! Am I conceited? No... because I understand what it means to be beautiful.

     When I was younger, when I was told that I was beautiful, I would tuck my chin downwards, lower my gaze, and shake my head from side to side. I did not feel or even understand my beauty. Later, during my thirties, I would qualify the compliment with…Well, I look good, for my age. But, now I know. I know I am beautiful BECAUSE of my age. I say that with my head held high, my eyes looking directly into yours.

Beautiful comes from a life loving others, caring for the well-being and comfort of not just you but also that of others. Beautiful doesn’t have to be the center of attention and yet, others will gravitate towards you. Beautiful isn’t about the exterior although as you feel beautiful inside, it becomes more visible on the outside. Beautiful is an outstretched hand, a warm embrace, a full bodied laugh, a kind smile, and a confident sense of who you are. It has understood disappointment but still has hope. It has felt sadness but does not allow it to linger and become bitterness. Beautiful is not stagnant.

Beautiful, as a child of God means that I seek His will for me life. I want to serve others as part of Jesus’ commandment to love one another. And when I do, a passion reflects God’s love through every feature of my face and when it is seen by others it is recognized as beautiful.

Beautiful isn’t an adjective to be used only for the young or for the past. Nor, is it a past tense adverb that describes a yesteryear life but rather a present tense verb for today. A word that should be exercised daily! It is a choice for today, tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day…I choose to be Beautiful.


Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
1Peter 3: 3-4