The Nature and Necessity of Beauty

I’m No Spring Chicken

Not so long ago, one of my granddaughters brought her little face up close to mine and inspected me carefully. “Grammy, you’re really old!”

At another time, another one asked me why I don’t just let my hair be gray, seeing as I am ancient anyway.

And just recently, one of those precious children informed me that I was really too old to be wearing such brightly-colored clothing.

Did I care? Nope. I am so happy to be the age I am and have so many wonderful and beautiful young people around me, who I can gaze at and hug and who feel free to voice their opinions—even that.

Does Beauty Matter

However, I then read a news article about a woman in her mid-60s who is being lauded as wonderful for modeling a bikini. She is pictured with younger women, all of whom apparently tell her how beautiful and sexy she is, gray hair and all. Of course, she had to do quite some dieting and exercise, and perhaps have some work done, to appear as she does. And good for her!

But, quite apart from that, WHY do we think it is so crucial for women to be beautiful? I’ve seen precious few elderly men prancing around in Speedos and being lauded for their sexuality! I understand that our culture is trying to get it right and stop being ‘age-ist,’ but are we just making it worse?

After all, let’s face it, no matter how much a woman exercises, diets, uses Botox, buys expensive creams, and more, she will get and look older. If looking young is the goal, it’s a losing battle. We are predestining people for failure.

Better Than Beauty

So, what about lauding those features that make some older adults so wonderful? The gentleness that comes from realizing we all make mistakes at times. The patience that comes from having experienced repeated failures and overcoming them. The joy that results from not having to compete, but just being able to delight in the beauty around them. The stretch marks and scars that came from loving others more than one’s own appearance. The self-control that has been honed by years of prayer, repentance, and more prayer.

Those readers who are familiar with the Bible will recognize the Fruit of the Spirit. As I grow older, even if I decide to give up L’Oreal, I pray that I will be like so many of the beautiful 80+ women I know. Wrinkled, but with eyes full of love, hands that are gentle, and knees worn out from prayer.  Now, that is beauty!