I’m glad eulogies don’t waste time describing our dearly-departed physically. Can you imagine?

“She was an old woman with a hunched back, sagging jowls, and teeth that were almost as gray as her thinning hair. She will be missed.”

No one wants to hear that. And I certainly don’t want to be remembered by my appearance on my death bed.

Fortunately, that’s not the way it works. But what will be said of me? What do I want to be said of me?

It occurs to me that instead of fretting about my looks and physical attributes (or failings) as I age, I should be most concerned with my behavior and attitude toward others. Am I wise, generous, kind, and loving? Have I proven to be a loyal friend and eager listener? Do I forgive and graciously forget wrongs done to me while genuinely seeking to make amends for pain I have caused others?

These are the kinds of things that will bring me praise at the end of my life. They are also exactly the kinds of things that God says are important during my life here.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Dear God,

Thank you for the reminder of what is important, and what is not. I’m sorry for getting caught up in my outward appearance while neglecting my inward attitude. Teach me what it means to fear you, obey you, and follow you. Thank you for the example you gave with your Son Jesus.