I have inherited this beautiful mirror. It is over 100 years old. If you look closely you may notice the mirror itself has dark lines going across it horizontally; the silver on the back has worn off in places.
People have suggested I get a new mirror for the frame. For some reason, I haven’t thought it necessary.
It reflects.
Isn’t that what a mirror is supposed to do?
As I look into it I imagine all the faces of family members that I have never met; wondering what they looked like, what they were like.
What were the styles of their day? What were the cares they wore? Who was uppermost in their heart?
Lots of wondering. So I haven’t changed the glass.
As I consider why I haven’t changed the mirror I realize something else, something about this mirror that is similar to what I am experiencing in this season of Lent: the image is distorted.
I don’t see myself, my flaws, my bad habits, my petty annoyances or anything about me with any degree of accuracy while my mirror is distorting me.
But if I look long at the mirror of Scripture I see how much I need a makeover; to be made new by the work of the Holy Spirit.
This week of Lent is about doing without. Doing without the ways I hide from this work. Doing without props that keep me hidden.
About fasting. Less consumption/More compassion.
The mirror of Scripture has shown me my need for Christ.
As I look deeply, I don’t receive guilt or condemnation though. I receive compassion. Forgiveness. Grace.
What does the mirror you look at show you?