Heart Face-lift

I broke down and bought a new magnifying make-up mirror. I had one. I was wielding my curling iron a few weeks ago, and I misjudged the distance, hit the mirror and broke it. I could still use it. Sure, it had spider cracks running crosswise on the mirror, but then again, so does my face. I have learned to read between the lines, and a few more did not interfere with my ability to apply the different tubes, pots, and powders with which my wonderful daughter, (a Mary Kay consultant) keeps me supplied.

Always on the lookout for a bargain, I hit one of the Big Box stores (without my 20% coupon —-I can never find them when I need them). Much to my delight, I found one that not only was on sale, but was at a 10x magnification. The mirror I was replacing only magnified 5x..

I have pretty good eyesight. In fact, at my last eye doctor appointment, the good doctor reduced my prescription lenses, as my eyesight has improved. For a woman in my mid fifties, this is surprising, albeit welcome news. As such, I did not really NEED a 10x magnification, but I always assume that more is better.

That being said, I had a backup travel mirror that was an 8x magnification. I know that I can see more when I travel, and welcomed that greater insight on a day to day basis. I had no idea how much greater a 10x magnification was.

The first thing I noticed was that at a 10x magnification, I could not see my entire face in the mirror at one time. This makes applying the foundational stage of the morning ritual (anti-aging herbs, eye rejuvenator, moisturizer, primer, foundation and finally powder) somewhat difficult. However, when it comes to tweezing those unwanted brow hairs, this magnification is magnificent. Not only can I see the stray hairs, I also see e-v-e-r-y imperfection in my skin. What is imperceptible magnified 5x looks like a boulder at 10x.

As I sat there, contemplating the consequences of having such a great magnification, I was reminded of the apostles’ words in the New Testament: 2 Cor 3:18 states: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. James says: For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass (mirror): For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:23-24)

I wondered if somehow, I could get the same results (10x magnification) on my heart and motives. As we look into the mirror of God’s word, do we recognize the imperfections of our motives? Jeremiah tells us “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” It is only as we behold ‘with open face’ (not allowing pride and justification to dictate what we see) and let the glass of the Word of God illuminate our imperfections that we are changed ‘from glory to glory.’

Beholding my natural face in the cold light of morning at a 10x magnification, spurs me to do more to preserve what positive attributes I still possess. How much more should I be motivated to have a 10x magnification of my heart with the Word of God? It is my sincere desire that just as I cleanse/treat the imperfections in my visage, I allow the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God to give my heart a ‘face lift’ every morning.

How about you? Does your heart matter? The whole world sees my face; only God sees my heart. Which audience is most important?

Until next time,

Polly

  • Denise Vessels says:

    A very good post! Relevant to all, but more than that, needed by all. I think I’ll just carry my mama’s magnifying glass in my purse. I want God’s illumination in my life. Mirror, magnifying glass…guess I will have new tools to carry so I can have this revelation during the day. Good one! Thank you!

  • Jeremy Couch says:

    Although I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to looking in the mirror, I am married to someone who uses it daily. This is very thought provoking and I don’t know if I want to always look in the mirror of my soul and see what is there, but I have too. I have to see those imperfections and let the master do His work. It is, after all, my choice to let Him do His work.