What would you do for vanity?

What is beauty? Is it in the eye of the beholder? Does it make us feel better? Is it just vanity? What is it that makes us want to look better? Is it Screwtape and his gang or do we do it of our own free will. It tells us in the bible that "Your adornment should not be an external one: braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or dressing in fine clothes, but rather the hidden character of the heart, expressed in the imperishable beauty of a gentle and calm disposition, which is precious in the sight of God." I Peter 3:3-4
But it also tells us that "A women's beauty makes her husband's face light up, for it surpasses all else that charms the eye," Sirach 36:22 I'm not sure about you but I always feel calmer and gentler inside when I feel good on the outside. I am very guilty of caring for my personal looks to a fault of sinning I‘m sure. Well I must share with you a moment of vanity a time when I put my looks first but in fact it actually lead to me to an a chance to be alone and quiet and Let the Lord be upon me.

If anyone knows me even just a little you know that I am “hair color challenged” and that we have only one car right now. Earlier last week I had my hair colored in a attempt to fix the color again. It was too dark and I had to wait a couple of days to add more blonde into the all over color. The only time I had that matched my stylists schedule was this Saturday at 1:30. Brad was able to drop me off there but he had to pick up Tyler and couldn’t come back to get me. So I decided that I could ride my bike home. Brad laughed at first then he realized that I was serious and went along with me. So I made the appointment and we loaded up the bike. He dropped me off and I had my hair fixed and it looked very nice and I was very happy with the results. Now I have to tell you that the salon that I go to is in Dublin off of Sawmill parkway. After the appointment I prepared myself to start off on my long trek home. I hopped on the bike with confidence and rode thru the parking lot and crossed Sawmill Parkway 6 lanes of traffic mind you. I crossed the street into the Fire station parking lot. I let the bike coast for a second waved to a fireman and realized that my legs were killing me and I was out of breath. My journey quickly turned into my own version of the Temptation in the desert. Not a good sign. I took a side street that led me behind the Kroger’s and strip mall and out onto Powell Rd. I passed the Shamrock Golf Course then I was able to try out the new road leading to the Zoo. I took the sidewalk which was all downhill. I crossed over Griggs Dam (nice view I might add) then past the Boogie Inn. I had to ride on the road for awhile down Glick Rd. until the pool parking lot then I was able to get on the bike path. The bike path was a treat I was able to go a little slower since I felt safer (If I went any slower I probably would of fallen over).

The bike path was very interesting needless to say. There were a couple of 90 degree turns into culverts that take you under the road that I just didn’t quite make. I fell once coming up hill out of the culvert. I was happy it was mulch instead of cement but it still left a mark. At this point I set the bike down and finished the last of my water and almost called Brad for back up. I rested a minute, resisted the temptation to quit and decided that "Yes I can do this and I will finish or least make it to the park then call Brad for a ride."
I brushed myself off got back on the bike and continued on towards the round-a-bout. I made it thru successfully and onto the sidewalk that would take me to Corazon subdivision. What a relief all down hill from here. O.K. Physics was not a strong subject for me in school. Did you know that once you go down a hill you most often have to go up a hill? The devil is really messing with me now. As I was heading to the end of Corazon up ahead I saw grapes & flowers and a trestle area. I thought to myself there has to be a hose bib somewhere around here to water the flowers & grapes. Just then as I looked up at the end of the sidewalk underneath the trestle there it was my burning bush, my sign from God that I was not just doing this in vain or for vanity but that this was meant to be a journey that I needed to continue. There it was a big beautiful orange igloo cooler on a chair with a note attached “ Free Water Complements of the Columbus Running Company” I touched it to make sure it wasn't just a illusion (I was getting delirious at this point) OK I hugged it! Right then a very fit young man on a “road bike” with the whole outfit thing going on with gloves and helmet passes me. I think I heard a giggle. I didn’t care I was loving the water!! Thank you Columbus Running Company!!! So I filled my water bottle and felt a renewed strength as I road along the road for a short distance until I turned on to the Glacier Ridge Park Bike path. I rode the lower half of the park very slow but with more confidence since I was so close to finishing. I checked my time and it was 4:15. Well there goes Mass. So I said a prayer. Then I cut thru the bridle path to Brock Rd and continued towards Industrial Parkway. As I went across highway 33 I waved frantically at the cars as they passed underneath me. Right then the same guy that passed me when I was hugging the water cooler was coming back in the opposite direction. I defiantly heard a giggle that time. I’m sure I made his day.
Ok I was in the home stretch when a huge semi passed me and I screamed and shut my eyes as he went by. Probably not the smartest thing to do but it was scary especially on my little purple bike. As I turned onto 42 then onto my street (Monteray Dr) I had a huge smile on my face!! I had done it I actually did it!!! I was tempted but I did not fail!

I made it home to hugs and cheers from the boys and Brad (they always know just the right things to do and say). Took few moments to catch my breath and told them of my journey. I know it wasn’t like I was in the dessert for 40 days (though it felt like it at moments) but 11 miles (not all down hill like I thought) was a huge accomplishment for me. Sure I started out making this trek for my hair and looks but I finished for myself and for my spirit. God made it possible and gave me strength (and water) to make it home safety . So if you see me at Church or out and about a “hey your hair looks great” would make it so much more worth it.
You know its only 8 miles to Wal-Mart from my house. I need to get a little basket on the bike for groceries It shouldn’t be too bad since its all down hill!

Peace Cynthia