What do you see when you look in the mirror? The evil queen in snow white went to the mirror to get affirmation. She needed to be told that she was beautiful. When she didn’t get the desired response of being the fairest of all, she turned wicked with envy and wanted to get rid of her competition.
When I was young, I don’t remember thinking that I was very beautiful. I didn’t spend much time looking into mirrors. I would rather be running around barefoot and making mud pies. Yet there was a time I was gazing into a mirror in the bathroom behind a locked door. It was my brother who usually caused me to escape into the bathroom so he wouldn’t get into trouble for making me cry. I gazed right into the mirror. I noticed my bright red nose and my tear soaked cheeks. But what calmed me every time was looking into my eyes. I saw no evil in my eyes but something about them put a stop to the sobbing and soothed my pain. I felt the presence of God and I didn’t even know His name. This makes me sad on one hand and incredibly grateful on the other.
Our good and gracious God gave me access to him. I found safety from the storm that was raging around me as I perched on the bathroom sink staring into my own brown eyes. This is amazing to me! I discovered the sweet innocence and simplicity of my little girl. I found the presence of God dwelling in my eyes.
The other day, we were playing a game called “Mirror Mirror” at kids’ yoga. Children began by leading and following one another childlike motor movements. They laughed and delighted while getting swept up in the movement and music. This reminded me of the ways that I learned to follow God. As a child I lived my life without any real awareness or concern of Him. He, like a patient father, followed closely behind. He picked me up and dusted me off each time I fell, assessing the damages and making sure I didn’t cause too much harm. He was calling to me and guiding me even in my fierce independence and ignorance.
This is what I noticed as the children practiced leading and following. They became connected and were moving together in synchronicity. There was surrender as the children danced. They were caught up in the flow of the Spirit. They were free to experience and enjoy the fullness of life. The same life that is promised to all who believe.
Now as an adult woman I want to reflect the love, grace, mercy and beauty of God. I see it in the dance of children…I see it in their eyes. It has been rich for me to recapture the goodness of my childlike brown eyes. I remember the girl behind those eyes and the God who was present with her always. Yes, she has grown up to so much more from and for Him. The wicked witch has no foothold in my mirror as I capture the beauty of God’s presence. My hope is that she has no place in your mirror as well. Take a look and see the goodness God is reflecting in your own eyes.
