A Beautiful Message


The 'L' in RL4B typically stands for looking, but in some cases (probably more than I think), it can represent listening -- as in Relentless Listening for Beauty. You only have to close your eyes to experience and focus on the sounds and messages that are important. I cannot claim that all sounds are always beautiful, but even the common noises that we try to tune out can become a thing of beauty.

I was at lunch today with my husband in a popular restaurant. As the noon hour progressed, so did the din of conversation. In fact, it became so loud that we were having difficulty hearing each other across the table.

After our burgers came, I was busy giving my pickles to my date when an older woman caught my attention amid the noise. (When I later asked, even my husband did not hear her.)

"Ma'am?" I am not used to being called ma'am, but I looked up anyway, unsure if she was truly talking to me.

I made eye contact and smiled as a way of acknowledging her, and she continued with a genuine, kind voice, "You have the most beautiful skin! Just beautiful!"

Now, it's not often that I look in the mirror and criticize myself. Having been through so many health issues, I've learned that this is a waste of time. However, sometimes those thoughts creep back into my life, as I assume they do for most women, and it was just a few days ago that I told my mirror-self that my complexion left something to be desired. I followed that thought by thinking I should probably begin one of those "anti-aging" skin regimens that you always hear about... maybe I'd go shopping later in the week.

All of this went through my mind as I processed her compliment. I probably looked quite confused and sheepish as I half-smiled and said, "Thank you." Just a few minutes later, she was gone, having picked up her order to go. I have to send up a little thank you to the heavens for allowing our paths to cross, and more importantly, encouraging me to listen when the time was right.

Until today, I had temporarily forgotten that moment at the mirror. And now, it seems, a complete stranger has reminded me that I don't need to go shopping. I don't need to give in to the self-critical me. I don't need to get sucked in by the marketing companies who send out false messages of unworthiness.

What I need to do is listen to the real messages of beauty; I am a child of God and beyond the basic skin (and other health) care, I'm okay just the way I am. And that's beautiful.

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a great reminder of how important it is to reach out to strangers and be kind!

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