Quote:

"Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting, growing womanly in character, wise in housewifely arts, and prettier than ever, for love is a great beautifier." - Louisa May Alcott, Little Women.

Context:

When reading books, I often find myself reflecting on the characters I admire in literature. This quote describing Meg March stood out to me. It’s not only an explanation of Meg’s character development but also offers profound insights into what it means to grow into a godly woman. 

In today’s world, there is immense pressure to define ourselves by how other people see us and our external appearance, where we are bombarded with images of perfection.  Meg’s journey reminds me that true beauty isn’t found in appearances, but in the depth of character and through internal beauty. 

Meg shows the value of working diligently while waiting for her dreams to unfold. It is often so hard to wait when you just want all the things to happen now. This part I specifically relate with Meg. She is such a dreamer and has all these idealistic dreams of the future, and it can be so easy to get caught up in all that instead of focusing on what God has for us in each season of our lives. God often uses our seasons of waiting and patience to prepare us for what lies ahead, and that requires faith and resilience.

I often find myself caught up in all these expectations I put onto myself or letting the thoughts of others take over. Yet, Meg’s development reminds me of the importance of nurturing a strong and virtuous character. She is the oldest of the sisters, she is kind, and has a loving nature. And that is a beautiful thing.

Proverbs 31:30 states, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Meg’s beauty wasn’t consumed in her appearance but in her kindness, humility, and sense of responsibility to her family. But it wasn’t always like that. She learned and grew, and soon she became that godly wife she had dreamed of becoming. 

The last sentence of the quote, “love is a great beautifier” resonates deeply. It reminds me of how beautiful the reflection of God’s love is in each of our lives. God is love (1 John 4:16), and as I grow in my understanding of His unwavering love for me, I see such beauty, perfection and radiance! When we allow Christ's love to be reflected in our character that captivates the heart and draws others closer to Christ.

Meg’s love for others and her honor, humility and patience was beautiful. Not through her outward appearance but through her heart. She is kind, genuine and looks after those she cares about. Even through her struggles and her idealistic dreams, she chooses to focus on one step at a time. Of course there were missteps, everyone fails, but she persisted and lived a beautiful life.

As I look ahead to my future, I am reminded that every journey is a process, much like Meg’s. It’s about intentionally spending time working, learning, and growing, all while patiently waiting for God’s perfect plan for life. True beauty is not found in what people see on the outside but rooted in the heart, which is fueled by God’s love for us. Love is a great beautifier! And He has a beautiful plan for each of our lives because He loves us so dearly!

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.” - 1 Peter 3:3-4

Written by: Aubrey Claire