I recently reconnected with some friends I see intermittently; those with whom months can go by between visits but it’s always a joy to catch up when the opportunity arises.  Interestingly, I had one of them ask, “Did you stop coloring your hair?”  I chuckled.  I chuckled because I’ve learned this is code for, Has your hair always been that gray?!??   And with a wry smile I acknowledged my nice new crop of silver waves.

I’ve grayed significantly over the last four years. 

Gray hair is obviously a common part of the aging process, but many experts also agree that stress can significantly contribute to whitening locks.  So it’s left me wondering…would my hair have been this same level of gray at this stage in my life regardless of my journey?

I’ve experienced many physical reactions to our life stressors over the last four years—and it seems as though my gray hair could be deemed one of them.  I look in the mirror and my weathered soul feels connected to the silver tresses shimmering back at me.  Strangely, my white locks seem appropriate; they somehow reflect my trek through hardship and remind me that although I may feel tattered and worn out, these ashen curls are more like wearing a distressed pair of jeans rather than dated trousers. 

I don’t know how long I’ll refrain from coloring my hair, but for now, I’ll delight in having my husband call me his “silver fox” and trust that “gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life” (Proverbs 16:31—The Message).