The Mirror experience

I recently ordered new coffee mugs for my kitchen.  I wanted to spice my kitchen up a bit, so to speak.  So I painted the walls another color,  changed the kitchen cabinet knobs and handles, and purchased new electrical plates.  I also bought a new cup holder tree.  Now, we couldn’t buy a new cup holder tree without new coffee mugs, could we?  


The mugs came in and as I inspected them I noticed one was slightly blemished.  A little imperfect one might say.  Oh, how I can relate!   As I looked at the coffee mug, and debated whether or not I would send it back, I thought about my personal struggle with my own mug: my face that is.  See, it’s far from what the world would call perfect.  Being born with a cleft lip and palate allows me to have one of the most unique faces you might ever lay eyes on.  Every day I am reminded of it whether I am cleansing it, moisturizing it, applying make up to it, or just checking to see if it looks presentable for the rest of the world.  


My thoughts then brought me to a women’s conference I attended a number of years ago.  One of the keynote speakers had the audacity to incorporate what I like to call “The Mirror Experience” into her message.  The sheer mention of us looking into a mirror caused me to shudder inwardly.  Though the exercise definitely seemed fruitless and somewhat vain at the time it turned out to be a life altering moment for me.  For it was that message, on that weekend, looking into the mirror, where the LORD healed me of my insecurities related to my outward appearance and freed me from the guilt and shame of so many senseless life decisions made as an underlying result of my mug.  And let me tell you there were many.  


The seed which took root so long ago and grew and developed like a vine out of control had finally been plucked from the root and allowed to die that weekend at the conference.


Funny how a slight imperfection on a coffee mug could cause all this to surface.  


In the end, for me, the question on whether to keep the mug (the coffee mug that is) came down to whether or not it served its intended purpose.  So, let’s see.   I purchased the mugs in different colors to give the kitchen a little splash of color but also I wanted an inspiring message for the users of each mug.  And of course the mug had to be functional.  Meaning it could hold liquid whether hot or cold.  Splash of color. Check. Inspirational message. Check.  Functional. Check.  Intended purpose to be served. 


So there you have it.  All mugs considered, we are ready to serve our intended purpose.  For me, strengthen and encourage women across the globe.  For my new decorative mugs,  provide fuel with a dose of inspiration to fire you up at any point in the day.   And for you, my friend, from this day forward confidently live knowing you were purposefully designed by our Creator.  No doubt about it!  For we are all made for a purpose and who knows, your purpose could be staring you right in the face.


Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM,
Liz

The LORD has made everything for its own purpose….Proverbs 16:4 AMP
For we are HIS workmanship [HIS own masterwork, a work of art]…. Ephesians 2:10 AMP