Matriarch

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

I mentioned earlier how impressed I was with the younger women in my church who worked so hard to make the Simulcast such a delightful experience. They planned out every detail down to the rocks in the restroom sinks. Yes, rocks. They put smooth black stones in the restroom sinks, scented candles, and good smelling lotions and soaps so that it looked like you were going into a spa. It was amazing how such a simple thing could create such an illusion. They also had flowers and cute decorations everywhere. All the hostesses wore white aprons embroidered with flowers and the name of our church’s women’s ministry on them. In addition to atmosphere, they created delicious snacks and meals. Coffee and other beverages and cookies for Friday night. Breakfast breads for Saturday morning and cute little box lunches complete with a Dove chocolate on top. They bustled about from one end of the church to the other all working together, serious about their purpose but sharing laughter and fun as they went. It was a great experience working with them. They are all easy to love. But, there was one part of being with them that will take some getting used to. They reminded me of how old I have become. It was disconcerting the way they treated me with such respect. They called me, “Miss Cathy,” instead of just Cathy as my friends do. They asked advice and appeared to appreciate my presence so much. It was as though they see me as a wise, experienced authority. In my mind, I am still an ingénue, clear faced, bright eyed and slim. I feel twenty something, but while my mind tells me I am one of them, my body and their deference says otherwise. It was a little hard to accept. I keep having flashbacks from when I was their age of the stout older gray haired women who were influences on my life when I was first married and a new mother. Mrs. Peters who taught me to be a great hostess. Mrs. Andrews who always called me dear and patted my shoulder encouragingly when I sighed about life’s demands. Mrs. Powell who made me feel like I could do anything I put my mind to do. Mrs. Glazier who bragged on how smart I was. Every woman needs women like that in their lives. Truly I want to be like those older women full of advice, comfort, encouragement and peace, but then, I don’t want to be one of them! Sadly, there is no way to gain the experience of years without those years showing up on our faces and bodies! Still, there’s got to be a way to a matriarch without feeling like I better go shopping for a cane! When I think about these verses in Proverbs I remember that it is not about how I look, but Who I serve. That is the secret of living the Christlike life no matter what your age.