I happened to glance in the mirror the other day and was immediately struck by the number of gray hairs I now have. I took a few moments to look at my changing hair and reflected on what I’ve been through in the past. I could name a handful of people that helped “jump-start” the gray hairs with their antagonistic attitude toward me and my family. I thought about my kids growing up, taking more responsibility upon them, but still worrying about their spiritual and physical well-being. I thought about the fact that gray hair is just common with old age, although 47 isn’t that old, is it?

I also thought about people that dye their hair to cover the gray and how people have asked me if I ever thought about dying my hair. While this is not an indictment in anyway on those that might want to cover the old gray hair, it’s not something that I’ve ever wanted to do. I appreciate people that allow the gray to show. It’s like I’m saying that I’m proud of what I’ve been through. I’ve lived life, I survived the struggles, and I have the wisdom to show it.

The Bible speaks favorably of gray hairs, “The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head” (Proverbs 20:29), “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness (Proverbs 16:31). God has placed honor on the old man and woman, the gray head is their beauty. “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32). The outward respect due to old age is immediately connected with the fear of God.

Gray hairs are a fact of life. For some, they may come quicker than for others. It shows experience and wisdom that should be respected by all. It’s not something to be ashamed of, but thankful for. Thankful that we’ve lived long enough in the Lord’s service to enjoy the old gray hair.

By: Justin Odom