This Birthday-Eve

I am pretty sure the eye cream is not working.

Here’s what I hate: this birthday-eve.

After making the girl’s lunches this morning, I carefully covered the leftover brownies in the pan with plastic wrap—attempting to preserve them for at least one more day.  

Earlier, I had also dutifully slathered on eye-cream in an attempt to preserve my youth by (supposedly) warding off wrinkles.  Last night, our children delayed their goodbyes to favorite friends—hoping to somehow preserve the moment of fun a little longer. 

But, we all know that in this dying, decaying, fallen world, preservation is futile.  Food rots, skin wrinkles, and loved ones leave.  Time marches on (much to our dismay). 

Maybe it was the relentless rain this morning or the fact that I am in “that time of the month” where I’m either crying over commercials or so irritable that even hugs and bunnies make me angry.  Whatever the reason, I was feeling particularly grumpy on this, my birthday-eve.

But, as I glanced at my aging, wrinkled face in the mirror, I was reminded that there is something infinitely more important than preserving brownies or youth or fun. 

Job 10:12

‘You have granted me life and lovingkindness;
And Your care has preserved my spirit.

Luke 17:33

Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

Our lives are much, much more than wrinkled skin, spoiled chocolate, and fleeting amusement.  “Life” includes soul and spirit.  Which, when placed in the hands of a loving Potter, will not only be well-preserved, but fashioned into something beautiful, fruitful, and everlasting. 

Perhaps, as our souls mature, they are used in the hands of the Potter for preserving justice and doing righteousness.  Maybe, gradually, I will stop worrying so much about my wrinkles.  (Have you seen pictures of Mother Theresa!?—her skin might have succumbed to time, but her heart grew all the more beautiful as she gave her life away.)

So, as I stare out the window at the gray skies and prepare to usher in another birthday, I will place my soul in the care of a loving creator who will undoubtedly preserve my life much better than I ever could.