Mirror Reflection

"Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the fairest of them all?"  Mirrors are everywhere, in the bathroom, closet doors, walls, in your makeup, and even in the car!  How many times a day do you think that we come across a mirror?  And, how many times do we stop to take a look? I was saddened the other day by something that I heard.  A high school girl was standing by a mirror in a sporting area, getting prepared for the task at hand, when at once she realized that the mirror was giving her reflection, she gasped, turned away and said something along the lines of, "I just cannot look in a mirror!"  She went on to briefly say that she was very unhappy with what was reflected back at her, and she made great efforts to just not take a look!

What I guess surprised me most, was that upon my observations of this young lady, I have admired the smile that almost always graces her face.  I have thought to myself that she was someone that the world needs more of.  How ironic that the face she avoided was the very one that I admired!  Oh, how to often we let other people's preconceived ideas of beautifully acceptable make or break our thoughts towards the image we see in the mirror.  Where has this standard come from? Who is it that gets to decide what is and is not pleasant?  Is it always going to be the same, and is it even the same for everyone? It is a great tragedy that faces each and every one of us sometime along the way.

Look around you throughout the day, and see what it is that you think makes other people beautiful.  I know for me personally there is always something that I notice in everyone that makes them beautiful.  And more often than not, you will find that those you admire and desire to be around, are those whose inner qualities far exceed their outer reflection!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:13,14

Blessings in Disguise

It is the day that begins a new year.  While I, myself, have never really been one to make New Year's resolutions, I know that there are many that are.  Strolling through an athletic section of a store today, I remarked to my husband that there sure is a lot more exercise apparatus out now versus before.  That of course, is due to the vast number of people who have vowed that this is the year for getting in some exercise and good eating!  Stores understand this concept thoroughly, and of course capitalize on it.  Needless to say, it did get me thinking about the past year and all that it entailed.

As I look back over the past year I am sure of one thing....God was really working on my heart and the ability to accept things as they are and try to see the blessing in it.  One way that blessing is defined is as a special favor, mercy or benefit.  I tried to keep in mind through all things or thoughts that came my way that there was something beneficial, or good to be seen in it.  There is a great measure of peace that fills your life when you gracefully take things as they come, and as they are. 

Don't be fooled, there were many a moments that acceptance and peace were not part of my day.  The times that the washer continually seemed to back up into the kitchen sink, mice were found leaving their mark in my kitchen, the kids were just a tad bit energetic, and the endless noise outside was just plain tiring.  We did like to joke in those rare moments when no traffic was driving by outside, that the end of the world must have come, because it was just plain odd!  All joking aside, through it all it was almost always on the forefront of my mind that I have so much to be thankful for.  So what if the washer was malfunctioning, I still had clean clothes to wear; who could blame the mice for wanting a part in my kitchen...praise God for mouse traps!!! And truly without the noise of children in my house, life would feel pretty empty!

I wonder what this year will bring?  Only God knows the number of my days and just exactly how things are going to play out.  But this I do know....seeing the blessings in each day and being able to focus on clinging to that which is good, brings about a great measure of peace in life.  My prayer for this year is that I will continue on this path seeking to experience all that God has for me, humbling accepting life along the way!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7