I looked in the mirror and what did I see?
But a little old lady peering back at me.
With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair
And I asked my reflection, how did you get there?
***
You once were straight and vigorous
And now you’re stooped and weak,
when I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique.
My reflection’s eyes twinkled as she solemnly replied...
***
“You’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside,
a living gem, and precious of unimagined worth,
Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth.
***
The years that spoil your gift wrap with other things more cruel
Should purify and strengthen and polish up that jewel.
So focus your attention on the inside, not the out
On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout.
***
Then when your gift wrap’s stripped away your jewel will be set free,
to radiate God’s glory throughout eternity!”
Wanda Goines
