(“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” – Eleanor Roosevelt)
Can I get an “Amen?”
For those of us who’ve reached the fifth decade and beyond, Eleanor’s words give us a worthy goal: to become lovely masterpieces as we age.
Obviously she’s not talking about the artistry of a plastic surgeon’s facelifts and tummy tucks. I don’t think such procedures were even being performed in her generation. Besides, the most successful procedures provide only temporary changes. I’ve never seen a ninety-year old who looks twenty-one, have you?
But if you Google the phrase, “aging gracefully,” you’ll find a long list of articles about stalling the aging process—on the outside. Eat right, exercise, get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, etc. Where are the essays about becoming more lovely in heart and spirit as the decades pass?
No doubt Eleanor was referring to those who have achieved this kind of beauty–those gracious elders who listen, encourage, and speak positively. And I dare say, such folks are most often Christians who have grown in faith and spiritual maturity over the years.
Their eyes twinkle from the Light within. And those radiant lines that fan out from the corners? Son-beams.
In fact, His name is often on their lips, because their thoughts turn to him so consistently. Jesus is an intimate Friend.
In addition, the joy of the Lord is their strength—perhaps not in body, but in soul. It shows in a delightful sense of humor and frequent smiles. Joy is also expressed in continual gratitude and praise.
These dear ones learned self-discipline along the way. Those ugly traits of bitterness, complaining and negativity are nowhere in sight. And never do you have to endure a long soliloquy that begins, “Back when I was young…”, that goes on about how much better or tougher life was decades ago.
Wise elders realize the value of influence, and the power of positive memories for the younger generations. They know that integrity and faith are best taught through example—examples that live on long after the elders graduated to heaven.
And as such saints delight in God and minister to others, they discover contentment—even as aches, pains, and deficiencies overtake their bodies.
They are true masterpieces, according to the definition: outstanding, superlative, ingenious works of art.
Masterpieces don’t just happen; they are the result of: 1) informed skill, 2) extended time, and 3) concentrated effort.
Similarly, beautiful seniors are the result of: 1) living by Biblical principles, 2) trusting in God day after day, and 3) practicing his presence moment by moment.
* * * * * * * * * *
Father, thank you for taking up your paintbrushes and paints to create a pure and beautiful spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). But it’s also true I must be a willing and active participant. May I not lose heart and invite your Spirit to refresh me every day. May I be mindful that “what is seen [like outward beauty] is temporary, but what is unseen [a pure heart] is eternal (2 Corinthians 5:16-18). May I be focused on the latter.
(Photo credit: www.groups.yahoo.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Yes, indeed, Nancy. I echo your prayer, “…May I be focused on the latter.” I find it such a struggle to block out the shouts of this world that focus on the outer appearance. Yet I yearn to become the beautiful older woman that you describe here: positive, encouraging, shining with the love of Christ. Wonderful post. 🙂
I’m thinking it happens slowly over time, Rebeca. Your strong desire accompanied by God’s encouragement and leading WILL take you to that beautiful place! (But I have a feeling you glow more than you know already!!)
Nancy, Beautiful and also the prayer. Amen and Amen!
Janet, you have been a work of art for a long time! No waiting for the decades to march by for you! Thank you for your example and influence in my life.
The older I get, the more I understand true and deep beauty:-) Thanks for your very true words.
Indeed, true and deep beauty is so much more valuable than the skin-deep variety–valuable to our own souls and to those around us. Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Bernadette!
Amen! Bless us all.
Want to thank Steve for the beautiful way he prepared the way for Jerry & Lisa, and us ,we are so blessed. Thank you Pastor Steve.
Love, Tedi
Praise God for his continued blessing upon FUMC Hudson! We look forward to hearing good reports of His continued work with and through you all. I will pass on your gratitude to Steve. Thank YOU for encouraging him!
Thank you for this ‘aging gracefully’ lesson.
You’re welcome, Rita. I’m honored you found the post meaningful.
love this quote and the prayer too. The photo of that lady is gorgeous. Don’t complain about growing old – its a privilege denied to many as the saying goes. I worked for a long time with the older population and learned so much about life from them. they are our treasures…
That’s a wise and loving attitude to take–honoring the elderly as our treasures. We do indeed have much to learn from their experience. Thank you, Jean!
Wow and wow. This post is rich in content and truth. My take-away is to be more focused on the inward appearance and bestowing a positive influence on people than on the outward appearance. Loved the compare and contrast of art/masterpieces vs aging. I’ll share this with you: I rearranged some of the pictures, etc. on my kitchen walls this year. In particular, I moved a mirror from the left side of my archway to the right. The purpose of this tiny mirror is to do a quick check on my appearance before I leave the house. I’m ashamed to say that I catch myself and am surprised at the number of times that I must ‘check’ my appearance by force of habit and find the mirror not where it used to be. Shame on me! Not for forgetting the mirror’s location…but for worrying about the outside more than I should. Getting older physically is a kind of shock when it should be more of a new way to grow in Him.
Oh, yes, we would do well to concern ourselves more with our hearts rather than our outward appearances. But! I don’t think we need to forego a bit of makeup and the fixing of our hair. I suppose balance is the worthy goal. And I very much agree with your last comment about getting older being a shock, but also providing new opportunities to grow in him. Absolutely, Cheri!
I am in the December of my life and all I can say God gives us younger, older ones “Wisdom.” Sometimes I say it would be nice to experience life backwards and know what we know as we got older. (chuckle) Thank you Nancy, miss you. Blessings.
Are you sure you’re in the December of life, with all that springtime energy? I don’t think so! Where we do agree is on the idea of living backwards, to take advantage of what we know now, back when we NEEDED it! I wonder why God didn’t do it that way?!
Miss you, too, my friend! And may your blessing (gratefully received!) now bounce back to you!
I agree about living life backwards. Retiring at the beginning when we still have the energy and health to enjoy it to its fullest! LOL!!!
…and somebody else to handle the responsibilities, pay the bills, etc!
Exactly right, Nancy!
Great! Thanks for the link. And I LOVE the quote by Ms. Ellie!! Again, the beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but the “beautiful and quiet spirit” is some slow disciplined process!
Thank YOU, Dawn, for taking time to read an extra post. Isn’t that an inspiring quote from Ms. Ellie? (Love your nickname for her!) I’m still praying for God to continue working on me, so I can become that beautiful work of art even as I age!
AMEN for both of us!