Hi there. L’il question for ya: how many mirrors are in your home?

It never really crossed my mind in the years living in that house on a farm in the countryside, that all that time there was only one tiny mirror. It also never bothered me or seemed to be anything significant…until now.

Image and Identity

At a time where image is perceived to only be physical and external – where IG filters override real-life facial features – where botox is a buzzword, and where ‘keeping up appearances’ seems to be the new  norm, it suddenly dawned on me that having one small mirror in one reasonably spacious house in the western world…was a pretty unique thing.

The way we look often influences how we are perceived, defined, described or treated by others, and even sometimes by ourselves.

When the dermatologist first mentioned the word ‘melasma,’ and instructed me to avoid frequent and intense sunlight without sunscreen, it seemed to be the most unfair and impractical advice. I live in Barbados, after all. Sunshine is kind of ‘our thing.’

Daily fresh air walks, beach days, drive time, along with seasons of hiking, gardening and fishing have been a part of my regime for more than a minute. So much so that they all contributed to the circle on my forehead and cheek-streaks that had then formed and have long since gone.  Thank You, Lord. Here’s a post on that journey for anyone who may be experiencing that challenge and is ready to overcome it.

I remember quietly declaring that true beauty is from within. For obvious reasons, looking in mirrors on a regular basis wasn’t then on my Top 10 List and it was no big deal.

Now in a home that has one decent-sized mirror per room, the difference is evident. Here are 7 Lessons Learned From Living In A House With Just One Tiny Mirror:

• your image is much more than physical
• when more mirrors are around, it’s healthy to avoid leaning towards vanity
• mirrors show us the external; they reflect what we show it. Smile; it smiles back Frown, and it responds in kind. Change clothes; it shows it. Hair grows, you’ll see it. What we see in the mirror is temporary
• mirrors enhance the spaciousness of a room and come in handy for checking your face, teeth and clothes and for styling your hair. They are also helpful for looking yourself in the eyes and speaking the truth of God’s love for you
• mirrors can tell lies, create illusions and warp images
• declaring truth to yourself while looking in the mirror is helpful, but sewing that truth in your heart and embossing it on your mind is not dependent on what you see
• features change – don’t get attached to or obsessed with your physical face as is

Image is more related to our heart and mind than it is to our face and body. 

I’m not knockin’ mirrors at all, but it’s interesting how we have a tendency to become obsessed with seeing our physical reflections in them the more they’re around. And when a mirror isn’t nearby – a phone usually is, so ‘selfie’ season starts.

But what or whom aren’t we noticing if or when we’re continually focused on self?

What about you? Do you have a tendency to do a quick check or add swag to your step when passing a car with some shiny windows or when walking by a storefront or glossy building? If yes, how long does that energy boost last?

Living water is the true mirror

That’s all for now; thanks for reading.

‘7 Lessons Learned From Living In A House With Just One Tiny Mirror’ was first published on ‘Joy within’