Inner beauty

Today's passage is Isaiah 53:1-3. It describes Jesus as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." Also: "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."

This reminds me of the NGM verse I memorized yesterday (while sitting in the dentist chair for two and a half hours). Part of it goes, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as elaborate hairstyles or the wearing of gold jewelry or fancy clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, that unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth to God."

I'm not a big fan of the male-written directives for women in the Bible. But this applies to both men and women, if you relate it back to Jesus in the Isaiah passage. It's just a universal truth, not a female one. Outward appearance is important to me, and that's not necessarily bad. But my focus and energy should be on my inner self. This plays out in life, clear as the nose on your face. You don't have to be a Christian to grasp that inner beauty is the greater goal.

Today I have so much to do. On days like these, I can't relax and listen. The quiet and gentle spirit floats out the window! I have the usual posts to write. But also:

Check on the house that Dad and Mom are buying. Figure out the girls' swim lessons, and summer activities, and order photos, and dog training, and laundry, and clean the house (a full day's job in itself).

In the midst of all the activity, Lord, I am to remain focused on You. How can I do that? Show me.


I pray for Lee, for healing. He's been in pain now for weeks. I pray for wisdom in disciplining Lily, who's becoming increasingly defiant as she closes in on five. I pray for Isabel and Lily, that they will discover their strengths and gifts, and that I might guide them and nurture their talents. I don't want to waste the summer, and I need time to do my work. Please, please show me if there's an activity You have for them.


I pray for Sara, who is so precious to me. She is Yours, and You walk with her. You love her more than I do. I pray for her, though I don't know what anymore. I just pray for her.


I pray for my character, my ability to love. I want my patience to increase, and my desire to be generous and loving and welcoming to all. I want that gentle, quiet spirit that isn't so worried about money all the time. I pray for our houseguest, Tom Conlon, that he will feel comfortable in our home. I pray that I will lavish him with hospitality.


I pray for protection over my sweet children--my favorite of the gifts You've given me. I love them "too much," as they say about their love for me. I really do love them too much.