“Isn’t she the prettiest thing you ever saw?” We say that about babies, toddlers, teens, and adults. We use the same words for puppies, kittens, and a host of other pets. Yet, that description can quickly change, if the person or pet’s behavior turns ugly.

We appreciate physical beauty. However, the most important beauty can’t be seen with our eyes. It comes from within. A strong moral character gives one a glow unlike any physical characteristic.

Some of the most beautiful people I know would never win a beauty contest.

Likewise, not everyone who could win a beauty contest lives a beautiful life. Both teach us that pretty is as pretty does.

Most of us want to look as good as possible. So, let’s stay clean, eat right, and exercise regularly. If beauty products help, why not use them? However, let’s not focus totally on what others see or what the mirror reflects. Let’s never forget the source of true beauty.

God made every person uniquely lovely.

Even so, that loveliness quickly fades with rude or hateful actions. In contrast, we enhance our loveliness with kind and helpful deeds.

The cute kitten above took part in a youth Sunday school class project. With permission, seventh and eighth grade girls took puppies and kittens from the local animal shelter to visit nursing home residents. Everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day. Those girls and their borrowed pets showed me once again that pretty is as pretty does.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV).

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

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