I woke up yesterday morning and decided to wash my hair. Now you might be asking why on earth would I be telling you that I washed my hair. It's something we all do several times a week. But...There is more !!
You see.. I missed my normal hair appointment about 3 weeks ago when Sam was in the hospital. Well.. my grey roots have really grown out fast this time. I still have 2 more weeks before my next appointment.
As I was blowing drying my hair...looking in the mirror...I thought about how many times I have seen other women with such long grown out grey roots and have made the comment to Myself.... "If they have colored hair, why do they let their roots grow out like that?"
Then.. this voice spoke to me... "Have you ever stopped to consider that life may have interrupted them?"
"Maybe they too were caring for a loved one. Maybe grief showed up in their life. Maybe sickness or finances or responsibility took priority."
In that moment, I realized how easily we form conclusions from the surface, never considering the unseen sacrifices beneath. Scripture reminds us, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
So what if grey roots tell a story of endurance, of compassion, and choosing what really matters in life? Seeing life through heaven's lens is what is important...Grace outweighs judgement and love always counts more than appearances. I pray that my life will show evidence of a life poured out in love and not one full of criticism of others.
I know this is a silly story, but silly or not, I am thankful that the Lord spoke to me!
Shug...
Today, my family honors my brother (Joe) on his birthday...his first birthday in heaven. There is a quiet ache knowing we cannot call, laugh or celebrate the way we always did, yet there is also a gentle peace in knowing that he is wrapped in a joy far greater than anything we could possibly imagine. I think of how (on his first birthday in heaven) he is celebrating and praising the Lord.
The lesson you shared about forming conclusions from the surface is so good! I found your thoughts comforting about the first birthday in heaven of your brother. We truly do greatly miss those who have gone on ahead to heaven, but we know they are joyfully resting with the Lord. I also wanted to mention how beautiful the header is here, with all the trees. Thank you!
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