Mirrors are essential to our lives. Women find ways to consult one frequently. Most of us have, not just one, but a whole array of mirrors that serve different purposes.

The first mirror I encounter in a new day is the one in my bathroom. I don't know why, but often I will glance at it through bleary eyes when I put on my glasses. I don't make any adjustments from what I see; I just see what I usually see, a dark haired woman, with messy hair and yesterday's mascara smudged under her eyes. I consult with that same mirror after I'm showered and dressing, and washing my face. I even stand before the mirror while I brush my teeth. But those are just casual glimpses. Before I leave, I open my closet door and view myself through my full length mirror, so I can inspect myself from head to toe. If I'm really motivated, I might open my husband's closet door to get a full length front and back view, but that is reserved more for special occasions. You might think I am finished with my mirror viewing, but I have a hand held mirror that I use to look at the back of my hair, and a compact mirror in my purse, that I can use to check my lip stick.

Today, I got a new glimpse of women and mirrors. I've been reading in Exodus. The last couple of weeks, I've been taking in every detail of the temple God asked the Israelites to build. It has been a most tedious read. It has helped me ponder God's humility and His willingness for such a practical, yet exquisite temple to dwell in. When I compare that little temple with the stars I view at night, it is amazing that the God of the universe came to dwell with us at all. In the middle of all these descriptions and measurements is a little verse that caught my mind. It is Exodus 38:8. “They made the bronze basin and its bronze
stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.”

Women are women aren't they? Even there, on an eternal camping trip, the women had mirrors. Though, I don't imagine that these women had spares like we do today. After identifying with these women from ancient times, and realizing they are so similar to me and my desire to have a mirror, I'm amazed by how they used their mirrors.

These women made a unique contribution to the temple. They gave their mirrors which provided the bronze for the basin that was used by the Priests for washing or cleansing before they offered sacrifices.

This is such a striking picture for me as a woman. How do I use my mirror? Do I use it to help me put on my mask to hide my real self from God and the rest of the world? Do I use it to criticize and demean who I am and deny that I am really God's daughter? Or, Do I use it for cleansing, for washing of sin and true reconciliation with God?

Try using at least one of your mirrors in this way during the week. When you take your last look in the mirror, ask God to remind you of sins that you need to confess before you go on your way. Don't let it be enough that your pants aren't wrinkled, your shoes match and your hair and make-up is the best you can manage. Go a little further. Ask God to forgive you of your sins and praise Him for His mercy before you go. Connecting with God is the best way to get ready for the day. After all, I John 1:9 says; “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” How will a little righteousness bring out your true colors during your day?