Fresh out of cosmetology school, Grace brushed the walls of a little cottage with bright green paint, filled it with an eclectic blend of shabby chic furnishings, brought in shampoo bowls and blow dryers, and began the process of making women beautiful one at a time. God nodded in approval as Grace's creation took shape - a hair salon called the Green Pear - named after a fruit she had never tasted.
A myriad of ladies sat in Grace's chair. They shared laughter, family stories, beauty tips, and jokes. At times Grace needed to set them straight - give them a "word" and speak some truth into their lives. At other times she cried and prayed with them or just listened as they told their troubles. It was about so much more than haircuts and colors...it was a place to find friendship, a place to get prayer, a place to escape worldly cares (at least for as long as it took highlights to process).
Yesterday Grace worked her magic for the last time at the Pear. As the shampoo bubbles rinsed away and a spritz of hairspray gave finality, Grace moved closer to a new season that the Lord has planned for her in Arizona. For everything there is a season and, for us, Pear season is over. The sweetness will linger for a long time only yielding to the occasional saltiness of tears. The end of a season is never easy even when you trust in the Lord's plans for good.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3
1 comment:
My dear, dear friend. How you've opened my eyes to the fact that the work my soul did at the salon is recognized. I really see that now. I guess I was so busy, I never realized the impact. I just wanted to please the Lord and now look at what my dear best friend has written. You think too highly of me though. I felt I learned more from my Steel Magnolias than I gave to them. Here's to the ladies of Carbon Valley. They are true pioneers and cultivate what foundational family values are growing in tri-town. May this little barefoot seamstress carry the torch that flames with vigor and authority. Her seat is righful, her path is clear and marked by pear trees. May she grit her teeth as she swings her sword while looking her foe straight in the eyes. For she knows exactly who she is - anointed. Now were's my compass . . . and combs.
Post a Comment