Dents

 As I was looking in the mirror getting ready for work I noticed how dark the bags under my eyes are.  I look like I haven't slept in days.  I moved closer to the mirror to get a better look and also noticed that the crows feet around my eyes aren't just around my eyes anymore.  They cover most of my face.  I turned to the side and discovered I have lost the elasticity in the skin under my chin.  It looks a bit like a turkey gobbler.  I hung my head in defeat and got a good look at my hands.  They are calloused and the veins are becoming more pronounced just like they are on my legs.  As I looked back up at the mirror, the gray hair at my roots reflected the off the bathroom light.  Then as I said some swear words to make me feel better I noticed how discolored my teeth are.  For crying out loud!!  Deciding to try and improve my appearance I moved closer to my magnifying makeup mirror so that I could see to put on my eye makeup.  I remember being little and watching my mom use her magnifying mirror.  I swore I would never need one because my eyesight would always be perfect.  I have received a harsh dose of reality.  Man, I feel old.  I am almost 38.  As a child I remember people in their thirties being old...ancient in fact.  And ancient is currently how I feel. 

I could not stay and have a pity party forever so I proceeded with my morning.  On the way to preschool my son was watching the movie Cars 2.  All the sudden my selective hearing picks a conversation between Mater and Holley Shiftwell.

Mater: Oh, for a second there I thought you was trying to fix my dents. 

Holley Shiftwell: Yes, I was.

Mater: Well then, no thank you. I don't get them dents buffed, pulled, filled or painted by nobody.     They way too valuble. 

Holley Shiftwell: Your dents are valuble? Really?

Mater: I come by each one of 'em with my best friend Lightning McQueen. I don't wanna fix these. I wanna remember these dents forever.

It was like a lightning bolt hit me.  An ah-ha moment, like the big guy upstairs hit me upside my dense head to give me a message.  All the wear and tear I noticed on my thirty seven year old body  (the bags, the wrinkles, the loose skin, the veins, the callouses, the gray hair) are all just dents.  Each and every one of those dents have been earned.

The bags under my eyes show that often lie awake in the middle of the night holding a scared child close so that they feel safe.  The crows feet around my eyes show that I smile often and have a blessed and happy life.  The gray hair reflects the time, energy and emotion I put into taking care of my family because I love them so much. 

My calloused and beat up looking hands show that I work hard doing a job I love. My veiny legs are from carrying four pregnancies to term with big, healthy babies.  My discolored teeth show that I have shared lots of cups of coffee with amazing friends.  These are my dents and I am so blessed to have them.  To quote Mater, "I don't wanna fix these. I wanna remember these dents forever."

From this side of disaster,
Cyndi