Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

3" and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

How come this verse hasn't captivated me before like it did this morning? I have come back to it several times in continuous contemplation. I have been ruminating on this one. Maybe it's because I turned 50 this year and I now have a multifaceted headdress of tresses the color of ashes. Maybe it is that I understand the feeling of gladness after mourning. Perhaps it has to do with knowing the spirit of despair and receiving grace when I didn't' deserve it, only to bubble with joy as I look backwards through my life. But more than that, it is the growth and strength which rise up from the ashes of life-living. It's when you stay in the game long enough to see the beauty that only God can bring forth over time. I look at every year from now on as the Year of the Lord's Favor- yup, you know it- that I get another year is remarkable. I hope someday I will be considered a mighty oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord and a woman who displays his splendor. Maybe that is why God gave me silver hair. My fellow sojourner, and sisters in the faith, may this be the year of the Lord's Favor in your life and let the treasure of your silver hair(if you don't have it, don't worry it will come) reflect the splendor and righteousness that only comes from the blessings  of our Heavenly Father! Amen.