My “Daring Adventures” painting.

I have a 6 1/2 year old granddaughter with whom I spend a considerable amount of time. We were in the process of getting ready to go out, when I looked in the mirror and did not like what I saw. If you are like me, you’ve had the following experience. You are preparing to go somewhere and you think that you are ready to leave. Someone comes up to you with a concerned look on their face and says, “Um, you aren’t going out looking like that, are you?” Of course, it is a “tactful” way to say, “You look like hell and you aren’t serious going out into the world like that.” This time, my inner critic played the part of the ‘concerned’ person, and regrettably, I listened.

I gave in and began putting on makeup and transforming my appearence. At the time, D. was in another room playing video games. Since she thought that we were ready to leave, she came to see what was going on. She walked into the bathroom where I was attempting to look ‘world ready,’ and sat down. For a while, she watched me intensely without speaking. Then, as I picked up one product after another, she wanted me to identify them. I did and she listened.

Suddenly, she said, “G’Mom, you don’t need makeup, because you are beautiful just the way you are.” The words stopped me in my tracks. I peered into the mirror. I mean, I really looked because I needed to see the ‘me’ that she saw. After a while, I turned to her and looked into her beautiful smiling face.  With tears streaming down my face, I thanked her and grabbed her for a warm hug and a kiss. Her sweet words settled in my heart and reminded me of something that I’d forgotten. I am beautiful–just as I am.

Blessings, Lydia