The Gift Wrap and the Jewel

 Here is a poem written by 92 year-old Wanta Guiness:

I looked in the mirror and what did I see

But a little old lady peering back at me,

With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair,

And I asked my reflection,

"How did you get there?

You once were straight and vigorous and now you're stooped and weak

When I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique."

My reflection's eyes twinkled as she solemnly replied,

"You're looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside,

A living gem and precious, of unimagined worth,

Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth.

The years that spoil your gift-wrap with other things more cruel,

Should purify and strengthen and polish up that jewel,

So focus your attention on the inside, not the out,

On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout.

Then when your gift-wrap's stripped away,

Your jewel will be set free

To radiate God's glory throughout eternity."