The gift and the jewel

At 92 Wanda wrote this beautiful poem about ageing and hope and where our focus should be throughout our lives. So whilst your wrinkles increase and grey hair appear and walking becomes more painful — just remember, it isn’t about the gift wrapping at all. Thanks Clara for sharing this with me :)

The gift and the jewel by Wanda B Goines

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 and 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!

***

Below is a Youtube of Wanda reading her poem, it is very touching.

Painting: Balthasar Denner (German artist, 1685-1749) Portrait of an old woman c. 1720