My wife and I were talking the other day about old cars…and new cars…and she mentioned that she hated when the “clear coat peeled off on these newer cars… I like the old cars with the paint that got a patina as it wore out”.

This comment got me thinking.  I know a lot of people who seem to have developed a “patina” as they got more mileage under their belts.  Every year brings more character and inner light…more outward signs of the great life they’ve lived.  Like the cars with a bit of primer and rust showing through….beauty for the wear.  Some of the older customers on my mail route are like this…they let their light shine brightly even if the exterior is a little battered. There has to be something underneath to shine through when the new is worn away.

On the other hand, I’ve known a few people who seem to have a good bit of their “clear coat” worn off, too.  Nothing shiny or new about them…just the dull paint underneath that the gloss used to cover up. I guess that the “gloss” is enough for a lot of people until it doesn’t shine anymore.

Most folks run a lot deeper than what’s on the surface.  I’ve never known anyone who didn’t have something good about them…but some people take a lot of patience and positive attention to notice what the good is.  It’s pretty superficial of me to think that I notice or understand what any “patina” or “clear coat” or any other hazy allusion means , really…I don’t have a handle on much….but I do appreciate the patina when I see it.

photograph by David Freiburger @HotRod.com