Reflection:  Blurry Mirrors

I’ve puzzled over myself in a few self-portraits, most frustratingly the ones painted on mirrors. What my one eye saw the other saw quite differently. Where paint was applied, of course I could no longer see my reflection. Furthermore, my image had already been interpreted – flattened like a photo – in two dimensions (which is why most artists prefer to paint from real life).

Throughout civilization people have puzzled over themselves in mirrors. Mirrors have gifted us with perspective – a sense of self and, in turn, our place in the world. Primitive mirrors were like the blurry metal ones in Aussie roadside pitstops. Later they were more sophisticatedly made of curved and coloured blown glass, but with images equally obscure. It’s in that era that the apostle Paul wrote, We see life as only a dim reflection. Too true! We’ve had a dilemma with knowing and being known ever since we moved east of Eden. We have only a limp grip on what’s right and true. We’re confused by injustice, suffering and pain. God’s ways are inscrutable. We’re more than ready to see clearly.

When you look in the mirror today let it remind you of your limitations.

Prayer:  Blurry reflections. One day I’ll know and be known with eternal perspective. One day, Saviour and Lord, I’ll see you not indirectly but face to face. Until then keep me humble and willing to say ‘I don’t know’; daily reliant on you for godly wisdom and persistent in faith, hope and love.