I see strands of hair every day. Dozens and dozens of them litter my floor, I’m sure hundreds are in my hairbrush—not to mention the uncountable number I catch glimpses of in the mirror, still attached to my head.
But this particular strand, which fell off in my fingers as I ran them through my hair, caught the light and gave me pause.
As I looked at its deep orange sheen, I thought about how fascinating hair is. When it’s on someone’s head, it looks more or less uniform in color; but take a closer look at individual strands, and you’ll see a different story. On my own head I’ve seen blonde, brunette, and red strands in all different shades—I’ve even seen a few white hairs. I thought about how strong hair is, how beautiful it can be, and how it can contribute to each of our personalities. Like every part of the human body, it’s a small miracle when looked at in the right light.
I’m sure I speak for most of us when I say that I am quick to be dissatisfied with my body—my skin is too broken out, my posture too crooked, my hair too frizzy—but haven’t we each been given an amazing gift? Wasn’t each of us made exactly as we were supposed to be made? Doesn’t that make each of us a walking miracle, beautiful in the eyes of the one who made us?
I believe so; but that does not mean we will see it. Our world is filled with creations that ought to have us trembling on our knees in constant amazement, but which we daily pass by (or walk around in) without so much as a thought. And I suppose that’s how it must be—that’s how we creatures live our lives here and now. But still… it’s worth taking a moment, now and then, to notice, and wonder, and give thanks.
February 18th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Well said and a good reminder.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
so true.