We are curious. We are drawn closer. We find something or someone that astonishes us. We realize that we like it. We fall into love or devotion or both.
We look closer. We continue to be astonished. We realize that our lives are enhanced, enriched, enlivened. We see the scratches, broken pieces, and bruises. Those wounds do not make our connection weaker, they give us a reason to stay nearby. We want to care for and protect each other. We want to fend off more pain.
I have a gift that was made by loving hands. It has gone with me from dorm room to apartment to townhome to our current abode. I cannot point out its damaged parts. I only see the exquisite whole. It reminds me that someone wanted to create a memento just for me.
Love is not blind. Love is accepting of irregularities, foibles, and quirks. Love notices, but accepts. Love hopes to receive the same kindness. Love shows us that being human is a feature, not a flaw.
What we focus on grows. We see what we want to see.
I am staying at a hotel that has one of those magnifying mirrors. At first I was crowing with glee! I could see tiny hairs that were invisible in my home’s bathroom mirror.
That looking glass shows every pore, splotch, and stray bit. Do I want to “fix” all those abnormalities?
Whose judgmental eyes do I fear? My own.
In that case, let me turn my gaze outward. I have incredible souls in my circle. Do I peer at their faces when we meet? Nope.
My heart lifts when I catch their eyes across a room. I run over for a hug. I might compliment their outfit, hairstyle, shoes, or smile. My love blurs out the other stuff.
Let me look at that mirror again and tell the uncertain woman who matches my glance that I am so grateful for her faith, strength, and grace.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the gentlest one of all?
#2025bigyearproject
