The beach is my happy place.
Usually I have my nose in a book, but I also enjoy people-watching. You know, seeing the girls with bodies I never had (and the one who didn’t put on sunscreen will have an uncomfortable time sitting down tomorrow). And yes, I confess, I look at the bathing suits some women wear and think to myself, “Well. . . that’s a choice” (that’s the New England translation of the Southern “Well bless your heart”).
And my favorite: women who aren’t young adults, spending quiet time on the beach alone, also reading. I have a feeling we’re kindred spirits.
Sometimes a woman catches my attention and I check myself to make sure I’m not staring, because big black sunglasses don’t hide everything. This happened recently, when I sat behind two couples. This woman had to be 20 years older than me, with a stunning floral one-piece with a matching skirt, a wide-rimmed straw hat, and large sunglasses. Although her appearance was beautiful, what struck me most was the confidence with which she carried herself, and the grace with which she treated those around her.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV
So, I wonder: What do people observe when they look at me? Scars on my chest and knee, various poison ivy and bug bite patches, the marks from the kinesthetic tape and calf sleeves on both legs because I ran that morning, hearing me saying “these are the wrong glasses” (yes, out loud), setting my timer to apply sunscreen (my dermatologist said he’s never had a patient do that…I try to be original). But I’m also resting, peaceful, reading, and enjoying life in that moment.
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 ESV.
“Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.” Job 12:12 ESV
I’m coming to terms with aging – which, for the record, I feel that I was forced to do when my eye doctor started my appointment with “Well, you know, as we get older. . . . ” and my oral surgeon reminded me repeatedly that I wasn’t 18 any more. I didn’t see myself as old, but I sure do now.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV
So, let’s embrace who we are, inside and out. Are there changes we don’t care for? Yes. Are there changes we can make? Yes. But remember: what happens in our hearts radiates in our outward actions. Next time you’re people-watching look for confidence, look for grace, and look for peace. And let that be what others see when they people-watch and see you!
