Last weekend at the National Youth Workers Convention I had the opportunity to experience a prayer labyrinth with several stations along the journey. There were two stations that struck deep in my spirit that I will be writing about over the next couple of posts. The first invited me to start at myself in a mirror.
How many times a day do you look in the mirror? ....1, 3, 5, 10 or 15.
I know I look in the mirror several times a day. First in the morning as I shave, brush my teeth, and fix my hair; as well as various other times throughout the day just to check my nose, my zipper, and make sure I have nothing in my teeth. But basically, I look for a glance here and a glance there, not long.
Have you ever just stared at yourself in the mirror, not to admire a new hair color or shirt, but really stared and looked at yourself?....Probably, like me the answer is “No!”.
During this experience I sat in the dimly lit room for a good 12 minutes, as the music played through my headphones, and looked at the mirrored eyes staring back at me. I spent time fixed only on the eyes, and then on the rest of the face. I closed my eyes and felt my heart beat louder and harder than ever before. I slowly inhaled and exhaled the breath of life that fills my lungs. I didn’t notice my big crooked nose, my big teeth, bushy eyebrows, 5 o’clock stubble, or thinning hair. For the 1st time I believe I saw myself as a unique creation. I saw myself as something, someone different, than a husband, father to be, brother, or youth pastor. Those positions are a part of my life but they are not who I AM. I am a creation; I have been created with a purpose and to love the creator. So many times I have failed to see that as I use the mirror to groom my physical appearance. But not this time, I saw me.
The experience was so very uplifting, stirring, contemplative, and breathtaking. I know this will be something that will intrigue my heart and mind for quiet some time. It will be something that I will try to do on occasion to remind myself, as my physical youth expires and my hair thins, that I am a creation - a unique and special creation.
So I challenge you as you read this to find a dimly lit room, a quiet song, a mirror, and a bible turned to Psalm 139:13 and see yourself possibly for the 1st time. Take time doing this, it will feel awkward, maybe even narcissistic, at first but take the time and you will see your self as God wants you too. I’d like to hear what you learned about yourself so please comment.
How many times a day do you look in the mirror? ....1, 3, 5, 10 or 15.
I know I look in the mirror several times a day. First in the morning as I shave, brush my teeth, and fix my hair; as well as various other times throughout the day just to check my nose, my zipper, and make sure I have nothing in my teeth. But basically, I look for a glance here and a glance there, not long.
Have you ever just stared at yourself in the mirror, not to admire a new hair color or shirt, but really stared and looked at yourself?....Probably, like me the answer is “No!”.
During this experience I sat in the dimly lit room for a good 12 minutes, as the music played through my headphones, and looked at the mirrored eyes staring back at me. I spent time fixed only on the eyes, and then on the rest of the face. I closed my eyes and felt my heart beat louder and harder than ever before. I slowly inhaled and exhaled the breath of life that fills my lungs. I didn’t notice my big crooked nose, my big teeth, bushy eyebrows, 5 o’clock stubble, or thinning hair. For the 1st time I believe I saw myself as a unique creation. I saw myself as something, someone different, than a husband, father to be, brother, or youth pastor. Those positions are a part of my life but they are not who I AM. I am a creation; I have been created with a purpose and to love the creator. So many times I have failed to see that as I use the mirror to groom my physical appearance. But not this time, I saw me.
The experience was so very uplifting, stirring, contemplative, and breathtaking. I know this will be something that will intrigue my heart and mind for quiet some time. It will be something that I will try to do on occasion to remind myself, as my physical youth expires and my hair thins, that I am a creation - a unique and special creation.
So I challenge you as you read this to find a dimly lit room, a quiet song, a mirror, and a bible turned to Psalm 139:13 and see yourself possibly for the 1st time. Take time doing this, it will feel awkward, maybe even narcissistic, at first but take the time and you will see your self as God wants you too. I’d like to hear what you learned about yourself so please comment.
1 comment:
wow. i really loved this post. i love your perspective. i love the dave song also. you just have to let yourself be open to something new and it might really impact your life.
Post a Comment