The other day as I was rushing by
A mirror, something caught my eye
For a second look, I took a chance
To see shadows of that fleeting glance —
Just to be sure, I slowed down a bit
For in front of this mirror I knew I must sit.
For this mirror was not a reflection of glass
Nor was it something that quickly would pass.
My reflection was not one of glamor and glitz
And it wasn’t new wrinkles or a fresh crop of zits.
For my mirror you see, was God’s Holy Word
Gentle as stillness, yet sharp as a sword.
And what I saw shook me right down to the core
There was hatred, distaste, egotism and more…
I saw selfish self-centeredness, and more of the same
Where did this all come from? I was stunned into shame.
For I’ve just been so busy, doing good things you know
With no time to spare to nurse a bruised ego.
And so in the midst of this turmoil and tension
God clearly sought my, undivided attention.
The time, it had come – I must fall on my face
I must seek God’s mercy and His infinite grace.
To slow down and ponder which bend-in-the-road
Took me over the edge with my ‘need-to-do’ load.
Well it seems that my busy-ness began with a need
Then grew in importance with gathering speed.
And now face-to-face with my fierce independence
I’m awash in the sorrow that leads to repentance.
And once more I go to the foot of the cross
Seeking grace from the One who had suffered such loss.
And oh what a Savior, and oh what a name!
He does not shake His finger. He does not feel shame
But rather, with tears in His own eyes He’ll come
And gather me up to lead me back home.
For the God that I serve has once more forgiven
One of His very own, wandering children.
Written December 1997
Copyright © 2021 by Terri Art