Grandma’s Mirror

In the process of clearing out the attic at my parent’s house, I’ve come across some interesting items which had belonged to my grandparents; old eye glasses, drinking glasses, old jewelry, and a couple dresses (maybe from the ’20s). I was reminded of my grandma’s mirror that I’d acquired some years ago from my mother. I wrote this piece several years ago, but maybe it’s worth reading again.

There it was propped in the corner of the cardboard box with various other articles that had belonged to my grandmother. It had been years since I’d held that little round metal-framed mirror.  As a little girl I was entertained by looking in that mirror, first one side and than the other, magnifying side. It was fun to see my nose and teeth bigger than life size. Grandma’s mirror was always on the table in her living room. She used it when she combed her long, gray hair and than rolled it on a “rat.” I can still see that roll of hair at the back of her head and the soft wave at the side

My thoughts were interrupted by the realization that my mother was asking me if I would like any of the items. Without hesitation, I replied, “Yes, I would really like that mirror.” I had few memories of my grandparents except for the evening visits when our family spent an hour or so with them and I entertained myself with the mirror.        

Grandma’s life was not an easy life. When the depression came and Granddaddy lost his job, life was never the same.  As with many families during that time, they did without things. Granddaddy worked at other jobs but started drinking, which left even less money to be used for his family.  Grandma tried to shame him, but nothing changed. She quietly accepted it rather than fight it. I wondered, when she combed her hair looking in that mirror, did she dream of better times?

Grandma was a quiet lady and seldom spoke. She was hard of hearing. Perhaps, that’s why she didn’t join in conversation. The only words I remember her saying were spoken at her baptism when she was well into her 70’s.  As the preacher lifted her up from the water, I heard her say, “That felt good!” In later years I would learn that she had always wanted to be baptized. I have wondered why she waited so long.  Did she not have an opportunity? Did no one give her an opportunity? Or was it that she felt unworthy of God’s mercy? I may never know the answer to any of those questions, but I can have peace knowing that she did accept God’s offer of salvation and was baptized. I’m sure when she looked at her reflection in that mirror she saw a happier lady.

This mirror now sits on my dresser. I use it often to check my appearance before leaving the house. It is no longer my entertainment. It is a constant reminder, not only of my grandmother, but of the One who must be reflected in my life.  

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We serve a living Lord! He has given us His Spirit to be our Guide through this life.  I must ask myself everyday, “Am I allowing Him to work through me?  Am I allowing the Light of Jesus to shine through so that others see His glory?” Someone is waiting to see Jesus reflected in me!