“Man In The Mirror”
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change (MJ)
I met a man today who bore his soul in tears, not planning to, but nevertheless he began the conversation standing, but as he described his relationship with God, he sat, and then he bowed his head and wrestled with the words, the memories, his present day reality. I thought I had known him, but the man revealed through the emotions was the man he had been hiding all these years.
Oh God, if I were to be honest with myself, who am I?
I have two mirrors in the apartment. I try not to use them; they exist because a home is supposed to have mirrors. Tonight I stopped to look at myself. The reflection told me that I had aged on the outside so much so that I hardly recognized myself. I looked tired. And sad. And disappointed. But what do You see, Lord?
Tomorrow is Monday. The start of a new week. Another chance to be more honest with myself. Another day to be more true to myself. Another day not only to ask You who I am…but to listen to the answer. I’ve asked before, and I’m sure You’ve answered, but I was too busy playing the game of life to listen.
I’m looking in the mirror now, Lord, and I’m listening. Please speak slow and plain so I don’t miss a word. And then lead me down the road where I should be following You so I don’t miss the turn or lose sight of your footsteps among all the prints on the trail…the remnants of those who have asked and followed, the remnants of those who have followed then turned back. I’ll change my ways, if that’s the plan. I’ll stop procrastinating if that’s the plan. I’ll trust. Because that’s always been the plan. And maybe someday I’ll recognize the reflection in the mirror as the truest form of me there can be. Me in you and You in me.
“In a time of favor, I have answered you and given you as a covenant to the people…saying to the prisoners, “Come out,” to those who are in darkness,”Show yourselves,” They shall feed along the ways, on all the bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them down, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them…”