Grey Hair!

Grey Hair! 

Grey hair is a crown of splendor;

It is attained by a righteous life.

Proverbs 16:31

The glory of young men is their strength,

Gray hair the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:29

Zits is a comic strip written by cartoonist Jerry Scott  about the life of Jeremy Duncan, a 16-year-old high school sophomore.  The strip also features his long-suffering parents, his girlfriend Sarah, and a wild assortment of friends.  The comic debuted in July 1997 and has been a part of my comics obsession ever since.

About a week ago, Jeremy was combing his hair in the bathroom mirror and discovered a grey hair (quite an accomplishment for a teenage blonde).  Over the next several strips, Jeremy showed everyone his one grey hair, moaning and groaning that his life was over. 

The writer of Proverbs has a far different take on grey hair.  Grey hair is a crown of splendor, testifying to a life well lived – a badge of honor rather than a harbinger of doom and death.  Grey hair signifies a certain level of maturity and wisdom gained from years of learning, striving and living. 

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Day by day, and with each passing moment

Strength I find to meet my trials here.

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure

Gives unto each day what He deems best.

Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,

Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Hymns for the Family of God, No. 102