The poet made a healthy observation when he wrote, “Let me grow lovely growing old.” He understood that life can become either bitter or better as our years advance. We are created with a capacity to adjust to whatever circumstances life imposes upon us. If we develop a positive disposition toward negative situations we can find the poet’s beauty in growing old. On the other hand, if we allow negativity to dominate we will develop a sour disposition. The years will take a terrible toll if we allow circumstances to defeat us. The poet implies that it is possible to have an aging attractiveness. We can turn the scars of life into beauty marks. Our wrinkles can produce smiles instead of frowns. Our experiences can be used as a tender tool to encourage the next generation. As the years transpire, we can develop the gift of growing lovely as we age. It is important that we monitor the aging process in our lives to see what is happening. Sometimes it is helpful to make a comparative study of those who precede us. Some folk remain vivacious and kind to the end of their days. Others become disgruntled and hateful in their twilight years. They develop frowns on their faces. They appear angry and sad. We do well to work on our faces, not so much with cosmetics, but with some smiles and laughter that let our inner beauty show. Expressions on our faces reveal a lot about us. It might surprise us to know what others think about our countenance. Does our appearance reflect the joy of life or the sadness of growing old?
The kind of person we are has a way of emerging to the surface. Character cannot be camouflaged indefinitely. Our true person comes to the surface by how we look, what we say, and how we say it. The attention we give to our soul’s development adds more to our beauty than any kind of face-lift we receive. If we want our cosmetics to really work, then we add some love, joy, peace, and hope to our outward appearance. Personal radiance is the product of good grooming and personal hygiene from the inside out.
How well do you smile? Do you reflect God’s love or the devil’s disposition? Is your attitude one of complaint or encouragement? Charisma, charm, and grace belong to the same word family. Remember we can grow lovely as we grow older. It is a matter of make-up within and without.
