A Quest for Beauty

When you look in the mirror what do you see?

Woman looking at her reflection in a bathroom mirror
Credit: Getty Images

“You are altogether beautiful…and there is no blemish in you.” —Song of Solomon 4:7 (NAS)

While shopping at an estate sale with my sister, I noticed a large gilded mirror with a cluster of flowers at the top. It was beyond beautiful, and the price had been unbelievably slashed.

“I think you should get it for your bathroom,” Rebekkah said. “You’ve needed one for ages.”

That was before the accident, I thought, noticing my larger-than-life reflection. My outfit showed off my ninety-two-pound weight loss, but did I dare look at my face? I glanced upward, first taking note of my new haircut, my tortoiseshell eyeglasses, and finally the blue gray bulge where the tumor had returned.

Then the strangest thing happened. Instead of the unsightly blemish, I saw the fingerprint of God. His voice spoke to my heart: When you thought I had forgotten you, I was protecting you. I’ve been holding your hand every minute.

Rebekkah reached for my hand. “I know this year has been hard,” she said, “but do you see the person you’ve become because of it? Your heart is bigger than ever.” She wiped the tear that had dripped onto her chin. “You notice the pain that others are going through. It’s like your heart has eyes.”

Now when I look in that mirror, I have a ritual. Instead of anger and anxiety, my heart is filled with praise. In heaven, I’ll have a perfect face. But until then, I will thank God every moment.

My quest for beauty has led me to You, Lord. Thank You.

Digging Deeper: Psalm 139:14, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Ephesians 2:10

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