A close shave

Vanity made a strong case, but courtesy conquered | Matthew P. Ristuccia

Big deal," those who know me would say. And they're right; ever since I was a sophomore in college (keep reading to find out how long ago that was!) and clumps of near-black hair matted the shower drain, I have been losing hair. Genetic destiny has "cut" my slowly graying hair for me.

Except on my face. And last month it was facial hair that I almost cut. You see, for years I have been clean-shaven. Sure, I experimented with various configurations of facial hair back in my 30s, but after a few months' insanity I would come to myself and shave it off. At least that is how my wife tells the story. But I now have a moustache and beard.

I grew them for good reason. Along with a dozen others from my church, I am traveling this week and next to North Africa on a service trip. Early this year our missions director appealed to the men on the team: "Grow a moustache. It's the cultural norm for men where we are headed, so grow one. You'll fit in better."