This past month, I had the opportunity to vacation/survive in India. It was our first time going as a family of four. My husband and I went 15 years ago, a few months after we were married, to meet the extended family. This time, we were going with our kids, and planned several stops within our trip.
We had the fortunate ability to stay with our family while we were there. Our first stop was in Gujurat. We were tired and hot and were provided with a comfortable room that included AC. It was dark and cold- the perfect room to overcome my jet lag! After a few days there, I noticed that there was no mirror in the room or its adjoining bathroom. I knew there was one downstairs, in the main part of the house, but I wanted to be able to check my appearance before I faced the family. Our next stop was Kerala. This house had the same feature. No mirror in the bedroom or the bathroom that we were using. I thought to myself, “Self, this is great. Now you won’t be so concerned with the way you look. You’ll just enjoy yourself and enjoy time with family.” I did secretly think this was a blessing. You see, I had left my blow dryer and flat iron at home, knowing that they would be useless in combating the Kerala heat and humidity. I had brought very little make up and planned on living in sunglasses and a ponytail for the next several weeks.
As we neared the end of our trip, I went outside to the common sink of the house, which also had the mirror. The bright morning light was coming in, and I just stood there for several minutes, inspecting myself.
Slightly horrified.
My hair was a mess, which I expected. In spite of my best efforts to tame it into a pony tail, the humidity made my waves uncontrollable. My eyebrows looked like two furry caterpillars that had taken up residence just above my eyes. I won’t even describe to you the situation above my upper lip. Let’s just say that it could have been braided. I stood there, embarrassed that I had let myself run around anywhere like that. I had forgotten that even though I was on vacation, mother nature was not! Maybe they didn’t notice? (Yeah right!)
It really brought to mind James 1:22-23 (NIV): 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
I had kinda forgotten what my face would look like.
I am accustomed to my own bedroom and bathroom at home. My bathroom has a huge, wall length mirror, with 6 lights above it. If that’s not enough to scare me, I have a full length mirror in my bedroom. If THAT’s not enough, there’s a small mirror above my key holder for one last check before I leave the house. I need these mirrors- not to be obsessed about my appearance, but just to make sure that I am okay. No boogers, no drool from the night before.
The word of God is a powerful mirror for our lives. We have to allow it to reflect the parts of us that need to be changed. God will often place friends in our lives, too, that will (lovingly) show us where we need some modifications. It’s a difficult process to submit to, but when it’s done, you’ll be grateful for the changes.
I’m off to the threading lady…
~Shiney
