My Mirror

For far too long, when I looked into the mirror, I didn't like the reflection that was there.
I saw sinful flesh, the tarnish of the world, and a soul that did not care.

I saw sorrowful eyes, a defeated spirit, and a heart that could not feel.
So many horrible things, chose I to look, that mirror would reveal.

A loathsome sight in my own mind, an image I did resent.
To look such a way, though I knew it was wrong, somehow I'd become content.

To the most shameful beings to haunt the earth in despair, I was akin.
I broke the mirror that cast the image so I'd never have to look again.

For worldly days, in worldly ways, insomuch as the world understands.
I died that day of worldly wisdom, the wisdom of a man.

Dead man walking I spent my life, a creature of the night.
Then You came along, opened my eyes, and offered me the Light.

You invited me in and showed me around and asked if I'd like to stay.
I was scared to death because I didn't know You, so I quickly ran away.

I ran long and hard into the night to my comfort, I did race.
It was dark and obscure and secret I thought, until You met me at that place.

You had my mirror and made me look at the reflection I'd seen all along.
Then You sat me down and explained to me that the reflection was all wrong.

You were kind and gentle just like a father and spoke very lovingly.
You educated me of my true purpose, and that the image wasn't who I was supposed to be.

You recounted my life, my birth and my death and told me I shouldn't be dead.
Then we looked at the mirror and my ugly reflection and You said it should be Yours there instead.

Having been dead for so long and thirsting for life, I wondered how could this be?
Reading my mind and knowing my heart You replied, "You must follow Me."

In disbelief still, I could not comprehend; Your terms seemed so absurd.
But with loving patience you began to explain that I simply must adhere to Your word.

You said that Your word was law, and it would see me through all that must be done.
And that studying Your word would give me life and help me know Your son.

I started reading Your laws, and Your word with the utmost scrutiny.
And I learned that You sent Your only son to be sacrificed for me.

I furthermore learned of Your love and your grace, two things that I didn't deserve.
But I also learned that You give both generously to those that follow your word.

Faithful or not You love all of your children, the good and the bad the same.
Having been bad for oh so long, I fell to my knees in shame.

Right then and there I prayed to You and vowed to change my ways.
I pledged my life to serve your kingdom for the rest of my days.

Now I study Your word and follow Your laws and repent of all my sins.
You've blessed me and loved me and given me life and allowed me to be born again.

For the first time in my life I am truly alive and with my Father, on one accord.
I'm no longer afraid to look into my mirror because the reflection is that of the Lord.