Whose Image Do You See?

I was simply washing my hands at the bathroom sink thinking about nothing in particular and not expecting anything unusual to happen. I mean, I was just washing my hands. My eyes had been tending to the duty of watching to make sure the washing was thorough, that soap had been well distributed to every digit and between each one. When the job was finally finished, I raised my eyes to gaze quickly into the mirror before vacating the bathroom. I was compleltely shocked at what I saw in that mirror. I found myself unable to move from the spot in which I stood. My eyes were glued to the mirror and the stranger whose reflection stared back at me. She was noone I ever remembered seeing before, although somewhat familiar. She wasn't old, but she was older. There was a hint of tiredness in her eyes, and wrinkles were beginning to appear around her lips and eyes. A bit of extra flesh hung on her neck, as often happens to people in mid-life and beyond. Though she seemed friendly enough, her presense there in my mirror took me so much by surprise, I yelled loudly for my husband to come quickly. He wasn't far away and, without hesitation, ran quickly to my rescue.

"What's the matter? Are you hurt or sick or something? What are you yelling about?"

"Look in the mirror." I ordered. "Who is this strange woman. I don't remember seeing her before. When did this happen? When did I start looking like this?"

That was the beginning of the realization that years were passing quickly and inevitable changes were taking place over which I had no control. Even now, probably ten years later, I find myself peeking into the mirrors in my house looking to see if any part of the young woman who used to reside in this clay vessel we call a body might show her face again. But, all I see is a much older version of her with somewhat deeper wrinkles than the first time we met in the bathroom and even more of that loose flesh the grandkids love to play with when they sit by me in church.

It has occurred to me that along with an older and weaker body I may very well develope an older and weaker mind. Right now it is brimming with fond memories and funny stories of the past. It is full of lessons learned from God's Word, of lessons learned through suffering, pain, and heartache, and through mistakes I wish I hadn't made among the few things I did right.

While I still have a good mind and the ability to communicate some of those things, I have decided that modern technology offers the perfect platform from which I am able to share some of what I have experienced and learned through the 64 years of my life so far. Thus, "Mama Rosie's Blog." So, grab a cup of coffee, or a cup (or glass) of tea, and join me as I share with you.