Life in Albania with no mirrors.
This whole month I've lived with no reflection. Previous to WR life, I’d wake up most mornings, gaze at the mirror and frown. The deeper my frown, the more work I knew was coming my way that morning. I was disgusted with myself and the way I physically looked. Whether it was a bad hair day, yellow teeth, a pimple or my extra bit around the waist, rarely did I ever feel simply beautiful. Most days I didn't even try to make myself pretty because most days were never even worth the effort.
But this month has been different. At the start of this month I got told often how beautiful I am. I hated it. I didn't believe them. In fact, I thought, "Gee thanks. I bet you just thought how ugly I am and made yourself say out loud the opposite." Now whether that is true or not ill never know, though I highly doubt it. Luckily this month I had no way to double check their kind observation. Regardless, the absence of a mirror and the presence of life giving words, made something inside me think. The only real mirror I had this month were the words of my squad mates and honestly, I think I like this mirror better.
A month without a reflection hasn't been bad. My hair isn't always in place and there may be something stuck in my teeth and I couldn’t tell you how my uni-brow or mustache is doing, but I feel wonderfully made and beautiful. I think it's the smile I often wear when the kids are acting silly or the joy I feel in worship with my squad. Then again maybe it’s the beauty I see in Albania around me, the sunset, the mountains, the simplicity of life. I can't help but know the god who creates this magnificent beautiful place also magnificently created me absolutely beautiful.
Secret: I did cheat one day on my day off to put make up on for cute pics at the castle. But it was a compact mirror and I could only see sections of my face at a time. Totally doesn't count.
Anyway, I just wanted to let the world know how beautiful I am. I’m not saying I’m beautiful because the way I look (clearly I have no idea what I look like currently) But I’m beautiful for the same reason you, the reader, is beautiful. I’m beautiful because of He who lives within me and I’m beautiful because Beauty himself, created me.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
