True Beauty Shines Brighter

There were many wonderful elderly couples in our temple growing up that were like grandparents to me. Always kind, gentle, and caring, especially the elderly ladies, they were just absolutely beautiful giving people. They had an ethereal radiance that shined brighter as they aged.

It was after one of these ladies expressed to me how they were old and ugly, that I created this card to go with the gifts for a senior appreciation luncheon we had. Her words and view of herself made me realize true beauty isn’t what we see on the surface, but something that comes from within; from our actions, attitude, and heart.

People today are obsessed with beauty that is only on the surface, which gets more difficult to maintain as we age. Going against the natural flow of time and putting so much energy and effort into a depreciating item can be disheartening, costly, and stressful, which ironically are all agents which cause further aging.

Wouldn’t it be easier to work with the flow of time and instead invest in the part of ourselves that appreciates or gains value with age? Wisdom, kindness, generosity, peace of mind.

Can you think of anyone you’ve had or seen in your life who had such radiance in their elder years? What was their secret?