I remember the first time they made their appearance.  I looked at myself in the mirror and thought: “Wow, I slept hard last night because I have lines on my face!”  Imagine my surprise several hours later when they were still there!  My first wrinkle appeared with no warning.  The same was, is or will be true for you.  What is worse, they usually tell their friends and other wrinkles set up permanent residence on your face.  What’s a person to do?  Plastic surgery?  Botox? Other expensive products?

The following suggestions run counter cultural at a time when most put a premium on a “youthful” appearance.

Remember, everybody ages!

Solomon said:  “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  Yes, even a time to age.  I remember a few years ago seeing some friends from my college days and thinking:  “Man, these guys are old!”  Everyone ages … present company included.

Remember, wrinkles and gray hair have perks!

They can represent wisdom and experiences.  Proverbs 16:31 reminds us: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”  Also: “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old,” Proverbs 20: 29.

Billy Graham said: “Old age has its compensations.  More than ever I see each day as a gift from God.  It is also a time to reflect back on God’s goodness over the years and an opportunity to assure others that God truly is faithful to His promises”

Remember, if you have lived long enough to have wrinkles and gray hair you are blessed!

If God has gifted you with many years, be a good steward!  Patiently listen to those older than you as they share nuggets of wisdom from their life experiences.  Intentionally invest in those younger than you as you pay forward the wisdom given to you.

When you spot a new wrinkle on your spouse’s face or a gray hair on your BFF, smile and thank God for a blessed life.  Job asked two great questions:  “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12: 12.

Leave it to Mark Twain to leave us smiling when he said:  “Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.”  Keep smiling, friends. Keep smiling!  Those wrinkles and gray hair are not near as depressing now, are they?!

Mark and his family reside in Madison, MS. He is married to the former Mary Kraft of McComb, and they have two daughters, Anna Kris and Allie. Mark has served churches in Mississippi for over 25 years. He received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His greatest passion is preaching, teaching, and discipleship. Mark enjoys attending sporting events, participating in community events, and spending time with his family. Mark, Mary and his children, love serving with the First Ridgeland family.

Feature Image by mores345 from Pixabay