Beauty or the beast

A good friend of mine drew this beautiful picture. I have never been artistic and am amazed how someone can do this, but God gives different gifts to different people. This lady is quite attractive, but I wonder what she will look like in 50 years? As we age, our face becomes a mirror of the life we have lived. Haven't you ever noticed that some people retain a certain charm and attractiveness while others become bitter and mean spirited as they enter their golden years. The last letter that the apostle Paul wrote gives some insight into aging. He writes:

2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing.
2Ti 4:9 Do thy diligence to come shortly to me:
2Ti 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and hath departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
2Ti 4:11 Luke only is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2Ti 4:12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2Ti 4:13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
2Ti 4:14 Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
2Ti 4:15 Of whom be thou aware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
2Ti 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly kingdom; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Webster Bible

If anyone had a hard life it was Paul. I have heard it said that he traveled over 100,000 miles on his missionary journeys and the way he himself talks about his exploits in the latter part of the book of 2 Corinthians its a wonder he ever became older. He should have been a bitter old man, but instead the love within him is very obvious. I wonder, what will our heart be like in 50 years, a beauty or the beast? I guess the answer can only be found written on our heart, but you will have to look past the wrinkles to find out.