One of the many items on my to-do list yesterday was to complete a spirit wear sale from last week’s HS Open House. A family wanted to purchase two more items for their daughter, but she is petite so a small is all that fits her–and they are sold out. When I saw her disappointed face, it dawned on me to look over at the display case–I had used small sizes to better fit in the cramped cases, so I told them that I would come back to the school the next time I was off and get it for her.

When I called the Mom last night, she very graciously assured me that I didn’t need to go to the trouble to deliver the clothes–they could wait. But I laughed, “Thank you; but I’ve gotten so much done today and I want to mark another thing off my list.” She laughed in understanding and gave me directions to their home.

When I pulled up to the house, the daughter came outside looking confused. But when I rolled my window down, she recognized me; and her face lit up as she rushed to bring me the check and get her items.

She thanked me with a huge smile on her face for going out of my way for her…and it made my heart smile. Not because a teenager was gracious–that’s not what made her gesture special. It’s because that huge smile was on her face that has been almost entirely burned off–and although reconstructed, it still is very apparent. And it’s hard for me to “see beyond” the scars and reconstruction–I can’t imagine what she endures on a daily basis….and I was gently reminded:

The world puts so much value in “beauty”–but the Bible says it is valuable, yet fleeting. So our focus should be on our inner beauty–that does not diminish with the relentless passing of time. Outer beauty is too fragile to place our “value” in…just ask anyone who has “lost” it. When we seek God, He will make us truly beautiful–and we will no longer live a life in “vain”. 🙂

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17 NKJV)

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. ” (Proverbs 31:30 NKJV)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. “(Romans 12:2 NKJV)