A mirror reflects the exterior part of who we are. We spend time preparing and getting our external appearance just right to “present” ourselves to the world. We style our hair, shave, put on makeup and wear nice clothes. Our external appearance is important to us, and so we make sure that others see us as well groomed and nicely dressed. We spend the time to reflect to the world a part of us that we feel comfortable with. There is nothing wrong with looking presentable, but I wonder how many of us take the same amount of time to groom and prepare what’s inside of us. That way when we do interact with others, we are able to care, love, and touch the lives of those around us. The mirror reflects our outward appearance but our actions reveal what lies within. Character is more than skin deep!

In David Archuleta’s recent blog he discussed how he was touched by watching Michael Jackson’s memorial, and recommended that we listen to the song, “Man in the Mirror”. Here’s an excerpt of his blog:

Song for the day: Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson
I know this song has been everywhere lately, but thank goodness it is! It is one of the greatest songs, with the most amazing message of starting with the person in the mirror. So take it to heart: If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change! July 8, 2009

David Archuleta is right! We should take to heart the fact that change really does begin with us. The change that David refers to comes from that part of us that is not to be found in a mirror’s reflection. We can pretty up our external appearance and fool many people into thinking that we have it all together, but the real reflection of who we are is so much more. It is evidenced by our willingness to love others. Yes, let’s heed the words of David Archuleta and think about how we can make a change in this world for the better, but remember it begins with looking in the mirror and seeing beyond just our external reflection. It begins with what lies deep within our soul…OUR CHARACTER!

I See the kids in the street with not enough to eat, who am I to be blind pretending not to see their needs…I’m starting with the man in
the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways and no message could have
been any clearer if you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself, and then make a change.
“Man in the Mirror”, sung by Michael Jackson, 1988

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