A reflection from Connie

Beautifully Weathered…

When I hear that, I think immediately of an old garden bench stationed against the brick wall near our front door. It’s been there a long time and bears the effects of the North West’s diverse weather.  As it gets more and more rugged looking it takes on new charm.  It’s true; some things do get better with age.  The black rot iron arms are slightly rusted and the wood slats that make up the seat are beginning to look dry and slivered. Once having a shiny, oak patina, it now dons a grey, dull appearance. Even though one needs to be more cautious these days of its delicate condition before taking a seat, it can still bring relief to the weary.  This faithful bench has seen its share of visitors come and go. Giving of its self to those who need a place to rest or unload a burden. Some may think it time to toss it out and replace it with a new, more updated seat.  But that bench has served me well and still does, even in its old age. 

It reminds me of the scripture, “Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.  Psalm 71:9

Now in my 60’s, I am well aware that I am aging.  I’vehad some life experiences that have weathered my patina.I wonder if I’ve improved with age, gaining more charm and beauty or if the storms in my life have left me less attractive, splintery and hard. Storms are notorious for changing things. Those changes can add charm, grace and beauty or they can make us rough, rigid and unapproachable.   According to James 1:2-4, we can determine which it will be. 

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials (storms), knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

The dictionary defines patience as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset. James says we are to let patience make those positive changes. It’s our choice. My garden bench speaks to me ofpatience as it waits; quietly enduring all kinds of weather, demanding nothing more than to be used for that which it wasdesigned.  Having patience or endurance isn’t easy for me, but it is one of the fruits I can cultivate in my life with the Holy Spirit’s help. 

Patience is beauty revealed.  I pray as I continue to age, patience will have its perfect work in me and I  will be recognized as beautifully weathered.      

Connie McClellan 8/29/15                        

What is Beautifully Weathered?

Let's face it....we all go through "muck".
You know....life experiences we would've rather skipped over....and if we really have to endure hardship, we often hope that we will be able to forget the pain and discomfort.
We would rather be spared from the storms of life than have to endure them.
Those hurricanes often bring about deep emotions, destitution, depression and distress beyond what we feel we can ever rise above.
The mountains of feelings can weigh us down, consume, and bury us... permanently scarring us or even worse, causing us to choose to wear the cloak of bitterness and anger.
Our bodies feel that weight....sometimes it comes out in our physical ailments, sickness and energy levels and other times it can clearly be seen in our wrinkled scowls, lowered heads and slouched shoulders. The people around us can feel the weight we carry by the way we snap at them, speak about others or in the negative way we interpret the world. We look like a hurricane, we feel like a hurricane, and we hurt like creation after the hurricane.

But what if there was a way to walk through the storms with a deep sense of hope?....A way to have joy and laughter in the tears of pain and sorrow...A way that we could share our deepest scars with a thankful smile....
In John 16:33b, Jesus states that, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"

I have endured some heavy pain. And through the course of this blog, I may get to share. It is my sincere and deep desire that my pain (and ongoing pain) becomes a source of transformational joy and beauty from what seems like pure destruction. I want to be a woman that gives God glory through life's challenges and that exalts Him for who He is and the pain and the hurricane He endured to rescue me from an eternity of the same. I want to be a woman that displays beauty, not necessarily in the costly clothes I wear (though I don't own any!) or in the style of my hair (BOY! That'd be a miracle!) or in my hourglass figure (more like a canning jar)....but rather people would see a joy and peace across my face that shows contentment, grace and thanksgiving. I'm certainly not there, yet, and in the life, I am sure I will struggle daily to make the choice of which clothes to wear....but it is my heart.

That said, I know some very beautiful women who wear peace and contentment like a bodysuit! They ooze joy and reek of thankfulness.....you'd think that with their kind of beauty they had the easiest lives ever! But after hearing them share their histories, I realize that their "youthful" beauty comes from a heritage riddled and laced with painful experiences. But instead of choosing revenge, bitterness and despair, they chose forgiveness, joy, and a new sense of purpose. Truth is, there IS purpose in our pain....our story is a beautiful tapestry woven slowly thread by thread. And while we only see one thread at a time, God sees the magnificent work in completion.
Our first beautifully weathered woman's story is coming soon.....in the meantime, take a look at
Isaiah 61. If you are enduring pain in this current season of life, take heart....your Saviour has already overcome the trouble you face and an eternity of joy awaits you!

Welcome to Beautifully Weathered!

Beautifully Weathered seeks to encourage women to weather the inevitable storms of life with strength of heart and beauty of character. It is a collection of real stories of real women walking closely with Christ who creates beauty from ashes. Stay tuned for our very first interview with a beautifully weathered woman......