The Older I Get, the More Money I Cost

If higher price means higher quality, then I must be a Cadillac among women.

Take haircuts, for example. Once upon a time I let my hair grow long and carefree and occasionally popped into Super Cuts for a trim. Now, my shorter mom ‘do requires a trip to the Aveda salon every eight weeks for some serious pampering and product stock-up. Plus the gray strand I plucked yesterday says I might be adding a regular color job soon, too. Great.

And let’s talk about jeans. There’s a certain kind of style necessary for the post-baby bod—you know it, girls—and sadly, high-dollar fashion designers understand how to mold a momma’s butt better than my budget allows. But forget the budget, we all need a hot pair of jeans. So I figure out a way to pay, amen?

Oo, and have you ever stared horrified in the mirror at a wrinkle that you swear did not occupy your pretty face the day before? Cha-ching! Welcome a three-step clinical skin care regimen designed to restore elasticity and youthful glow—for the cost of a small monthly car payment.

Of course that’s just exterior maintenance. Never mind the cocktail of vitamins, medicines, and office visits designed to combat age-induced ailments like stomachaches, backaches, and eye strain. Those don’t come cheap.

I was so much less expensive ten years ago. But all this forking over cash to tend my 30-something self has taught me a priceless lesson.

I’m worth it.

Every penny.

And this is why:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these,” (Mark 12:30–31, emphasis mine).

“After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church,” (Ephesians 5:29, emphasis mine).

Do you get the key point here? The Bible assumes we love ourselves. It’s a basic premise of scripture. Yes, we are to be generous and humble and forgiving. But that doesn’t mean we’re supposed to neglect ourselves in the process.

Now let’s go one step further.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship,” (Romans 12:1, emphasis mine).

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies,” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, emphasis mine).

In biblical times, did God’s people offer up the scrawniest goat in the field? No! They sacrificed the fattened calf, the best of the flock. If our own bodies are a living sacrifice, if God owns us—heart, soul, mind and body—then shouldn’t we owe it to him to invest wisely in his property?

Don’t get me wrong. All women are beautiful and valuable in God’s sight, whether they charge ridiculous bills on overnight eye cream or not. God cares about our hearts far more than our looks (1 Samuel 16:7).

But that’s my point.

I’m learning to have a heart filled with love—for myself. To me that sometimes means good haircuts, designer jeans, and believing I’m worthy of strong physical and mental health, especially as I get older.

I’m a mom, after all. I spend the majority of my time taking care of other people. By taking care of myself, too, I’m giving my family a happier version of me—and teaching my kids how to love themselves the way God intended.

Minus the pricey jeans, of course. Hand-me-downs are good enough for my little chicks. Some perks should only come with age.


If this post encouraged you, please pass it on. You might also like And Then We Bought a Mom-Mobile, One Good Reason to Spoil Your Kids, and Moms Grow Up, Too.

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Linking up with: The Better Mom, Playdates With God, Momma Notes, Titus 2sdays, Wifey Wednesday, Grace at Home, Thriving Thursdays and Things I Can't Say.