STANDING IN THE RIVER
Then again the local woman around me had rough skins and such. I wanted to fit in and not stand out like a foreigner; we did not have much money to spend much on beauty products anyway. I still smile at my interesting observation. When we ladies living and working there would come back from our trips from our home countries we would have the newest hair cuts, cute clothes and shoes and even put make up on daily. Then as time pass by it would.....slowly fade. The hair styles again would become a usual daily ponytail, the make up less and the clothes in shade definitely fading. It was then again the more natural look. At times even leaning towards looking somewhat neglected.
One day a dear lady came and visit in our town. She gathered us woman together for a time of visiting and sharing. I vividly remember us sitting in a circle around the typical low table with flat mattresses on the floor. Green tea being served out of round Chinese printed cups on plastic bright printed table clothes.
She shared from her heart about personal experience and difficulties. Then she hit the nails of our hearts full on the head with these words; "In twenty years time you ladies are not going to be the beauties in the world. Your skin is going to be telling a story of many hot summers and cold winters. You would have probably suffered diseases and hardships. Life would have taken its toll on your age." We did not need to hear much more than this. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and the lump in my throat testified of the knowledge of the truth of what she was saying.... as I look across the table I did not see one person eyes not full of tears. Life felt harsh, I did feel run down and the mirror did not lie. Yes when last did I have a good haircut?
She continued:” But God says you are going to be beautiful to Him in your hearts and souls. You would have walked a life of suffering and faith. You would have endured much. You would be strong in Him. You would be the spiritual giants of this world. Some of us were wailing now. We were touched to the core. What a beautiful opportunity we had to share our hearts and longings that day to understand one another's needs. We prayed together and were comforted by the beautiful truth of this message.
She then played this song by a group called Delirious.
"FIND ME IN THE RIVER.....find me in the river find me on my knees. I've walked against the water now I'm waiting if you please. We've long to see the roses but never felt the thorns and bought our pretty crowns but never paid the price.
Find me in the river; find me on my knees with my soul laid bare. Even though you are gone and I'm cracked and dry...
Find me in the river...I'm waiting here.
We didn't count on suffering we didn't count on pain but if the blessing is in the valley then in the river I will wait."
Looking back now almost twelve years I fondly but thoughtfully carry this message in my heart. I do think the weather and difficulties of life has taken its toll on my age and physic. But I do hope that one day I can look into the mirror of my heart and see myself as He sees me. Yes, it is true....physical beauty fades by time...but I do believe what lasts are those beauties in our hearts. The choice we make to forgive, to turn the other cheek, to walk the extra mile, to do without some things so someone else can have...giving to others from ourselves more than what we hoped or planned......
These things then would be the true jewels in our hearts.......
