I’m an advocate of learning something about our relationship to God in the season of Lent. We do that through many avenues, but one of my favorite things is to give up something for Lent. Giving up is looking at where we are in excess…and trying to lay down that thing for a period of time…so that we can focus on God. Everyone who knows me, knows I love coffee. So, for example, last year, I gave up coffee. Past Lenton seasons include giving up purchasing clothes, chocolate, a particular word (that is still not in my vocabulary), etc…you get the idea. I am also an advocate of adding in something as a Lenton sacrifice. Some of you have added in breakfast daily, exercise regularly, kind words, a grateful list, reading Scriptures, and prayer time.
Whether you give something up or add something in, this ritual is a way to deepen your spiritual connection with God.
This year I am giving up something. For the last couple of years, I have noticed that there are many mirrors in our lives. I have a long dressing room mirror, bathroom mirrors, and mirrors in our living room. I love the way mirrors reflect light into a room…and use them to make a dark room brighter. But still, there are a lot of mirrors in my life. My office, I just noticed, also has a full-length mirror that I use when I put my robe on. Mirrors are at the mall, in our cars, and in restaurants. They are everywhere.
I began to wonder what it would be like to go without mirrors. Would I forget what I looked like, or would I remember who I am? Would I learn to focus on the inside view instead of the outside view? Would I be able to operate without a mirror? (How would I do make up and hairdos and put on the contacts?)
So, this year I’m giving up mirrors. (I will only use them in my car to see what is going on around me.) I will avoid looking at my external self in a mirror for the 40 days (plus the weekends) of Lent.
It might be frivolous. Or it might go deep. I don’t really know yet. All I know is that I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time, so I might as well try it during Lent. I will blog about this journey…and see where it leads me.
I’m hoping it leads me deeper in love with Jesus and our world.
As I go on this journey, I only ask you one thing: forgive me if my mascara is lopsided, or if it is non-existent. Remember it’s just my exterior!
Dottie
Dottie Escobedo-Frank 
Wow Dottie–The presence of mirrors in our homes, offices, cars, stores, gyms, etc., is something that is normal and usual. As I read your thoughts about mirrors, I was reminded of those in the world who do not have regular access to mirrors, have only seen themselves in the reflection of water, or have not seen themselves at all. I wonder if they have a better insight into themselves and their environment (and the Lord if they have been able to worship) than those of us who are surrounded by shiny mirrors. While I don’t think I will be giving up mirrors any time soon, I support you on your journey and look forward to your comments. By the way cousin, you are so beautiful you don’t need mascara. Blessings to you and yours.
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I’m not sure exactly why but this welbog is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
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