Maturity is Style

This is the time of year when we gather with family members and glean wisdom from the experiences of the young and the old. This left me pondering the word “maturity.” Maturity can be a powerful style element in a woman’s life. Maturity is a sobering thing. Many believe that it’s a rite of passage and is bestowed upon you the more years that wisp by.


Yet, there are youth who wear the badge of maturity bolder than many adults. Adults who so often feel as though they missed something in their own youth and they now want to live it vicariously through children.


But there is something to be said about the phrase “With Age Comes Wisdom.”


For sometimes in the faces of our elders, we can see lessons learned embedded deep within each wrinkle. One of the wisest women I have known, was five feet tall with a story- telling- face- of- lines leading through many journeys. Every day of her life she wore a bun twisted neatly at the base of her neck, bright pink cheeks, sparkling eyes, and a below- the- knee- dress. When she heard people say outrageous things, she would smile and shake her head. I always knew there was a lesson to impart, but she would only offer her wisdom if asked.


Years of living on the mission field of Bolivia and serving as a pastor’s wife and mother had not worn her out, but empowered her to live out loud. Until the day she died in her late 80s, she served the needy and taught children in Sunday school. She sang and laughed every day….in more than one language.


Several years ago, I found myself in a taxi with her in Washington D.C. I was clinging to the door as the driver sped down a road, weaving through traffic and just barely fitting in between cars as if the taxi was holding its breath to slip in. I was terrified, but Verena was laughing and conversing with the Israeli taxi driver in his native language.


She loved people everywhere, and did not want to miss one second of experiencing life through another member of creation. She also loved God, her country, the classics, powerful music, and would tear up every single time she spoke of her beloved late husband, Pastor. I only knew this rugged, strong man except through her stories which made me long to meet him face to face.


Though not one fashion magazine donned her bookshelf, she had style. She was a cover girl for maturity…not age….maturity. There is a difference.


For those of you spending time this year with grandmothers and great grandmothers, I encourage you to really sit down and listen…look into their faces…and discover the style they wear right this minute, today.

5 Comments

  1. What a wonderful post! You make such a valid point that there is a difference between age, and maturity. And by celebrating the wisdom we glean over the ages, we celebrate the true essence of ourselves, and our soul's journey.

    Happy Holidays to you, Pam! xo. -Bella Q

  2. Pam, that was wonderful! There really is so much to be celebrated and embraced about aging. The story of your friend is so sweet and I was surprised that her name is Verena. That's my sister's name. She's originally from Germany….I've only ever met two other Verenas and they were both from Germany.

    I enjoyed your comment on my blog about the flax seen chips! LOL I'm the same way with sneezing, laughing and aerobics….I have what is so gently referred to as LBL (light bladder leakage)or what I call…."Don't make me laugh or I'll piddle!" Merry Christmas Girly! ~Serene

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