Reflection (10/19/2026)

Yesterday, as I was getting ready for the day, I stopped longer than usual in front of the mirror. Big mistake for an old woman after a busy week. But I did it, and it was too late to take it back. I believe I said out loud, “When did that happen?”  My reflection, I found, demanded further reflection.

Life is like that. We go along, don’t you know, and we don’t pay attention always to how we are changing. In our youth, we are happy to change: to grow taller, to improve our stamina and strength, to improve our balance, to perfect our talents. But after a point in our lives, the changes that come with age don’t always make us happy: to go from auburn to white hair, to shrink from 5’1” to 4’11” on a good hair day, to asking the bagger at the market to break up the cans – not too many in a bag.

Yesterday, the LORD and I reflected on what I saw in the mirror but also what I wasn’t noticing. My hair is white and thinner than it was when I was 30, but I’m 76. Get over the hair and focus on the gift of time. I’m not as tall as I used to be, but I have made great friends asking for help when I can’t reach what I need. I am not as strong as I used to be, but with that has come a humility that I find a blessing, recognizing I can’t do everything, but I was never meant to do everything, just give my all always and invite others to help because most really do want to be asked.

As I remembered my reflection in the mirror, I admitted there were many imperfections, but then I realized that I was only looking at the physical. I am more than what is visible. I am made in the image and likeness of my LORD. He created me. And I thought of the gospel for Sunday, and Jesus asking whose image was on the coin in question. And before I knew it, the LORD had brought me to the question of my spiritual “reflection.” How has that changed over time? For the good?

This morning, I am going to take time to care for my physical appearance as I stand in front of my mirror, but now it is also a reminder to me that I am more than what the mirror reveals. My maker can see me as I truly am – outside and inside. And while I’m planning on adding a few extra moments to care for what others can see, I’m also planning on adding a few extra moments to care for what will matter eternally, what others can’t see.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.