A WIFE’S TRUE SOURCE OF BEAUTY

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In Christ, Mark

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.

1 Peter 3:3-6

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

I remember the first time I met the woman who would be become my wife. She dressed so professionally and she was so beautiful in appearance. I never thought there could be a chance I was in her league.

I was in the United States Navy and a volunteer at the elementary school where she was the assistant principal. Every week, I would split time between two third grade classrooms, acting as a teacher’s aide. I assisted the students with assignments and was an extra person to manage classroom conduct and behavior, the latter sometimes involving walking the class to the cafeteria for lunch.

One day, as I was about to leave the building, I ran into the assistant principal and for the first time, we talked about things outside of the school. She told me she was going to the movies and after I asked her if she was going alone, she said she had a date but added that the person “didn’t know what direction he was going in” before being called to the office.

Left to think over those parting words, I decided to take a chance and sent her flowers to the school the next week so they would arrive the day before I would be in the school next, a day that would be the last one for a while as my ship was going underway for six weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment that year (1992). I put a note with the flowers asking the assistant principal to go to dinner with me, carefully wording it so she would know it was from me. I was sensitive to any implications that might happen if it got out that she was going out with a school volunteer.

The next week, I came to the school and went through my normal routine with the two classes, never seeing the assistant principal. As I started to follow my standard route out of the building, I thought to myself that it was worth the shot and reminding myself that these things don’t always work out.

I think that thought had just left my mind when all of the sudden, she came around the corner into the hallway. There wasn’t another soul there and I’ll never forget the moment that she looked me in the eye, told me she loved the flowers, and accepted my invitation to dinner. I still get goosebumps sharing the moment.

The next night, we went to dinner and as I remember, we just sat and talked for three hours before we ordered. It was a magical time together and we agreed to start seeing each other, an agreement that led to me proposing to her and then marrying her in December of that year.

As mentioned, she was the most beautiful bride you ever could imagine and after more than 31 years together, she is exponentially more so and I say this now not just based on outward appearance. For when I read today’s scripture passage from our continued look at the opening verses of 1 Peter, chapter 3, I am reminded of all the ways she is attractive, as much on the inside as the out.

Look again at these words here:

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. Vv.3-5

Now, while my wife still gives attention to her gorgeous outward appearance - which includes her hairstyle, jewelry, and clothing - she gives even more attention to her inner self, the place where her true source of beauty is found. For it’s there that her devotion and dedication to the Lord produces a “gentle and quiet spirit” which is “precious” to Him and all those who know and love her. She trusts Him in everything, submitting herself to His authority and Word which includes accepting my authority as her husband.

This all brings my mind to the words of the Lord as He spoke with Samuel prior to David being selected as the new King over Israel. Here’s what He said:

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

I give thanks today and every day for my wife, “Amazing” Grace, knowing that when the Lord looks at her heart, He sees what I and so many others do...pure beauty born from a love for Him.

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it. Send any prayer requests to TheChristianWalkPrayers@gmail.com.