People: Colonel Brandon
Text: “Colonel Brandon was different than his jovial friend. He was silent and grave. His appearance however was not unpleasing, in spite of his being an absolute old bachelor, for he was on the wrong side of five and thirty. But though his face was not handsome, his countenance was sensible, and his address was particularly gentlemanlike. He enjoyed music and listened to Marianne play and sing.
Colonel Brandon paid her the compliment of attention. His pleasure in music, though it amounted not to ecstatic delight which alone could sympathize with her own, was estimable when contrasted against the horrible insensibility of the others, namely Lady Jennings and Sir John.
Emotion: being considerate
Insight: Although Colonel Brandon is on the wrong side of thirty-five, he is both sensible and gentlemanly. He exudes wisdom like that found in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is…gentle.” And although he appears grave and silent, he is drawn to Marianne’s open, vibrant personality and her love for music. May we, like Colonel Brandon, be filled with heavenly wisdom and then use that wisdom to recognize true, lasting beauty within others.
