I’ve shared with many of you my campaign to fight old age. I guess what I mean is, I want to age gracefully, and not immediately. So, I’ve been working hard. Yoga, Pilates, running, all with the idea of keeping myself in the best health for my ever increasing number of years; it has been a challenge. I am also a person who likes to see results right away. As you can imagine, the two don’t mix. Once you start making a concerted effort to get yourself in a better place, it seems that you live noticing every little change or lack thereof.

In my case, it feels like a lack thereof.

I was voicing my disappointment this morning to my husband. Honestly, the man deserves an award for all he has endured these twenty three and a half years of marriage. As I said I was talking, well whining, to my husband about how little change I was seeing. It was truly a discouraging moment. He was doing his best to lift me up and remind me about the positive changes I had made that would eventually pay off, and I was arguing every point he made declaring that things would never change and it was all for nothing.

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, real uplifting read here, bear with me.

This went on for a few minutes when my son came to the door of our room. I really didn’t think he could hear because he was getting dressed for school in another part of the house. If I had thought this through I would’ve remembered that he has bionic ears and misses nothing!  What happened in the next moment changed my view of all I was thinking and feeling. I think I’ll remember this moment forever, seriously.

He said, “Mom, you can’t place your value on what you weigh, how things fit or any of that external stuff. You just have to keep trying your best and know that it is making a difference.”

I just sat there and listened as he elaborated his point a little more, but mostly the words blurred together as I saw this six foot three young man trying to console his mom with wisdom that he had heard somewhere. It was humbling. It was wonderful.

It made me shut my mouth, which is exactly what I needed to do.

Life is full of disappointments and hardships, I needed a better perspective and he gave it to me. So, tomorrow morning, I will get up and do something that is really hard and that I have yet to enjoy, so I can be in better shape. I’ve decided not to worry about the results but instead focus on the energy it takes to look at the bright side.

Because my seventeen year old reminded me of what was really important, and I think I’ll take his advice.

Prayer:  Father,  I am so thankful for your goodness in my life. Thank you for sending me reminders in all shapes and sizes that I matter to you.  I am good enough just the way I am.  There is no perfect way to look, we are all beautiful to you.  Help me to remember what really matters.  You have known me all the days of my life and have good in store for me. Let me be a blessing to others today and to offer them love and grace.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Scripture:  139:14-16The Message (MSG)