Mirror! Mirror!

I was posting some devotional shares from my summer youth trip to the beach on Facebook but decided that my blog gave me more space and opportunity for details.  The theme of the camp was "He's got an App for that:".  I learned alot in my participation of leading in the devotionals and want to share them with you and how they apply to my life.

Today I woke Cory up early to go to a couple of yard sales.  I wanted to find a desk for my kitchen to put my computer on.  I like having access to my computer as I sit and drink my cup of coffee in the morning and while I am cooking.  Anyways, we headed out to our first sale...nothing.  The second sale we got lost on the way to it.  We past it and went 4 miles out of our way in the country. We were just a wee bit irratated at the lack of signs.  We arrive to it and not a car in sight.  Strange since it was well advertised in the paper as an Estate Sale with furniture, etc.  We walk up to the home and a mature couple are slowly bringing out items from their home and storage shed.  We do see a desk that looks promising.  The kind lady shows us the desk and points out a few more desk she has for sale.  We agree to purchase a white desk.  I ask her about the outdoor furniture she listed for sale.  She takes us to her back porch to see some pieces that are in dire need of cleaning. I tell her they are a nice pattern but not the right color for us.  She then takes us hiking through her large property to see some teak furniture near a big barn.  The ground is wet, and freshly mowed grass clings to my flip flopped feet.  She tells us along the way that their mower had been broke and they fixed it just in time for the sale.  The property is lovely and we tell her so.  The furniture she takes us to see is well weathered and the hardward is loose.  Again, it was not for us but we told her that the furniture was well priced and assured her she will get it sold.  Cory and I were a bit anxious to leave but the kind lady proceeded to tell us that she had some furniture in her home she wanted to show me.  Cory loaded up the desk while I went in her home.  It was crowded with items that eventually would make it to the sale area.  The furniture she showed me was in good condition but outdated.  I told her the colors were pretty but items were not for me.  She was very gracious.  We left after telling her it was a pleasure to meet her.  Her name was Sue.  I will get back to this in a bit.

Back to the devotion:  One of our devotions asked, "What does a mirror do?" and "Have you ever thought of yourself as a mirror image of Christ?".  When you look in a mirror, the mirror reflects back to you what your face looks like.  If we are to be the image of Christ, we are to reflect His essence in our lives.  Then it proceeds to say: "Has any one ever said to you, "You are just like your mom (or Dad, etc)!"  When people say that, sometimes they are talking about how you look, but often they are talking about your actions, gestures, beliefs or behavior.  That's exactly what it means to be in the image of Christ.  People should be able to look at you, at the way you act, the things you say, the way you treat others and the attitudes you have, and see someone who is like Christ.  Wouldn't it be cool if someone actually said to you, "You are just like Jesus"?

While Cory and I were obliging "Sue" on her tours, we share with her that we were new in the community.  She asked what church did we attend.  It turns out she knows a very prominent member of our church and a personal friend of mine.  She apparently socializes and works on community projects with her.  Now I realize, reflecting the kindness, patience, and gentleness of Jesus should be very important to me daily and even moment by moment, BUT, I was especially glad to reflect the image of Christ to her especially.  I believe that we, Cory and I, allowed the spirit  of Christ to give us patience and a giving ear so she could talk and share her life.  I was blessed to find out we shared a friend.  I was blessed to get a nice desk, very similar to the one in the picture above for a nice price.  I was blessed to know that I am loved by a giving God who used me to share His love.

Side Note:  I think I need to take a good look in the mirror at myself.  Though this lady was kind and very nice.  She proceeded to welcome me to the community and told me to go sign up for membership at the Senior Center. They require that only 55+ can attend. She said I would love the meals and activities.  WAH!!!!   I am 48 thank you!  I didn't tell her that though. I had no make up on, large gray colored roots and I was limping a bit from trodding on her acreage.  I have decided to make my desk a vanity table...complete with a lighted, magnifying mirror.  I am dead serious!  

You are Loved, acf