Julie poured hot water into her friends’ mugs as they gathered around her dining room table.

            “Thanks,” Susan said, as she plopped a tea bag into her cup. She settled back against her chair and glanced at the large mirror opposite her. “I don’t know about you all, but I’m starting to hate mirrors. I’m getting wrinkles around my eyes.”

            “I know what you mean,” Kathryn agreed. “Every time I look in the mirror, I think I find ten more gray hairs.”

            “Not surprising, considering the year you just had,” Anne said. “I don’t mind the mirror so much. It’s the scale I hate. I can’t seem to lose my pregnancy weight.”

            Julie set the kettle back on the stove and returned to the table, amazed at what she was hearing. “Wrinkles, gray hair, and extra pounds. These are your biggest concerns this morning?”

            Kathryn turned her way. “You have such a young face, and not an ounce of extra fat on you. You wouldn’t understand.”

            Julie’s words were soft. “You’re right. I don’t understand, because when I look at you, I see a beautiful caring friend who helps others in their time of need.” She turned toward Susan. “When I look at you, I see someone who lifts others up, who always has a kind word to say, and who prays for everyone she meets.” Finally, her gaze landed on Anne. “And you are an amazing mother, friend, and counselor. All three of you are beautiful, no matter your age or weight. God designed you exactly as you are for a reason.”

            The room was silent for a few moments. Anne reached out to touch Julie’s hand. “Thank you. I think we all needed to hear that this morning. You are a blessing for reminding us our worth to God.” With shining eyes, she pulled up a verse on her phone and read it to her dear friends.

1 Corinthians 6: 19

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

            “Julie’s right. Our bodies will get older and start wearing out, but we are about so much more than our bodies. The Holy Spirit has chosen to live inside of us.”   

                Dear God, sometimes we get caught up in what we or others look like. Help us to remember our worth and the worth of others does not depend on physical beauty. As Proverbs 31: 30 tells us: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Help us behave in a way that pleases you. Our bodies grow older and may not always cooperate the way we’d like them to, but we are so much more than our bodies. Nourish our souls, Lord, with Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.