Beauty-filled Women

On Saturday, we had a Rite of Passage for the incoming 6th graders.  It was simply a symbolic event to commemorate the passage from childhood to adulthood, and along the way we shared some things they would need to survive middle school.  Things like, you need good friends who will go beyond surface conversations, boys don't need to tell you you're pretty for you to be beautiful and that most times the labels that others give you are wrong and the only label that matters has been given to you by God Himself, and that is the label of 'beloved child'.

As I was preparing for this event, I read through this passage:
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4

And as I thought about the people in my life that exemplified this, I realized again what wonderful women God has given me to live life with.  I have friends that turn to Jesus in their struggles, whose hearts break for what breaks His, who encourage each other with simple faith, who are striving to reflect God's character (and are doing a much better job at that than they realize), who make me laugh until I cry and snort all at the same time, who serve those around them with a selfless joy.  I have learned so much about God through these women, and they have opened my eyes to the beauty in this world.

I am so blessed that God has allowed me to live in community with these women who are so filled with His beauty that I can't help but see Him in them.