Premature Crown of Splendor

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained by a righteous life." - Proverbs 16:31

Lately I have noticed that I am starting to get some gray hair near my temples. At first there were just a few hairs, and I thought them quite intriguing. To me they were a strange curiosity. Now there seem to be quite a few more of them and there is less intrigue and more concern. My grandfather Westman grayed early in life and I worry I may have a wee bit too many of his genes.

When I was young I thought about what I would look like when I got old and I remember getting a very distinct image in my head. I would be the old, white haired wise man sitting thoughtfully at the top of a hill, waiting to dispense my wisdom to those worthy enough to climb up to seek answers to their problems. Then after they asked me their question, I would smile and give them a wise but cryptic answer and send them on their way. Of course I would have a decent sized beard and be wearing robes for some reason. I tell you this so that you can understand my current conundrum and also help you realize that I indeed have issues.

So now I am getting what I always dreamed of, it just seems a bit early. I'm starting to get the look of the wiseman without having had the time to attain the wisdom. So I am both happy but concerned as well. Losing the outward appearances of youth is not as easy as I thought it would be. In many cultures there is a general honor and respect shown for the aged, but not here in North America. My wife of course is very supportive, telling me she thinks gray hair is attractive. And of course if I could be half as wise as my grandfather I would be content. It just seems a little early, that's all. I am trying to take the view of the author in Proverbs, that gray hair is a crown of splendor. May my crown be full and gray and wise!

Just not yet.


May Light increase!