I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart but it doesn’t always show on my face these days. Gravity and age tug at the sides of my mouth lately causing a frown/scowl. (Try not to picture Cinderella’s stepmother.)
Who knew this would happen? I’ve been using cream and moisturizer.
Years ago, I thought older women were upset or even angry when I saw their frown. I realize now they were just resting.
I’m working on my resting face.
At Fitzpatrick, I sit on the front row. Not because I think I’m important, but because I can’t pay attention. If I sit in the back, there are lots of shiny things to look at, distractions to take my mind off the guy behind the pulpit, and most importantly the Lord speaking.
People often tell me they look at me during the sermon. When my beloved tells a not-from-the-Bible story, they are wondering if it happened just like he is telling it. Now I’m trying to work on my expressions AND my resting face.
Besides fighting a frowny face, my neck is sagging in a weird way. I don’t have a full-on turkey neck yet, thank goodness, but am considering two well-placed pieces of duct tape to take up the slack. Or a dickie, the mock turtleneck from the ‘70s. Or a scarf.
I don’t have room to mention random chin hairs that appear out of nowhere and can suddenly be seen across a crowded room. Dollars to donuts the one to see it will be the youngest in attendance.
Psalm 139:14 reminds me we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The older I get, the more I feel emphasis on the word “fearfully.” From gray hair, crepey skin, to varicose veins, shew!
Did Eve go through this?
God is good and amazing. His imagination and creativity constantly blow my mind. As he shaped man from the dust and then created woman from his rib, the things He thought and put together are amazing. The skeletal, muscular, nervous and circulatory systems are only a few of how we are put together. We have at least 15 feet of intestines!
I love being a baby boomer, though I struggle sometimes with technology. I’m thrilled about being in my 60s and wouldn’t go back. God’s Word promises that He will keep hanging with me until my last breath. “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you,” Isaiah 46:4. Perhaps the best one is Psalm 73:26 (GNT): “My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need.”
Having always heard it takes less muscles to smile than to frown, I searched the internet for the truth. It gave lots of info but no real answers. I’ve practiced smiling and then frowning but really can’t tell which takes the most effort. (I’m smiling as I type, by the way.)
No matter my age, one thing is for sure: God is faithful.