I was just listening to a song by Styx called “Snowblind,” about the dangers of cocaine. One of the refrains says, “Mirror, mirror on the wall/The face you show me scares me so…” That describes my morning look into the mirror!
Reality has set in for me. Well, it has for quite awhile but there are some things I cannot deny. Long hair to no hair. Dark beard/goatee to gray. Joints which creak. 🙂 Joints that don’t want to work anymore, or at least very crankily. There is other visible evidence which I cannot deny. The mirror just does not lie.
While reading Caleb’s new book (I talk about it here) I ran across a great story! It comes from the movie Creed, where Rocky is training Adonis, Apollo Creed’s son. (Watch the first 100 Rocky’s to know who he is. Actually the first 4).
During one scene, Rocky and Adonis are standing in front of a mirror in the gym during their training session. Rocky teaches Adonis a brilliant lesson about self-perception. Pointing at Adonis in the mirror, Rocky says, “You see this guy here staring back at you?”
“Yeah,” Adonis answers.
“That’s your toughest opponent. Every time you get into the ring, that’s who you’re going against. I believe that in boxing, and I do believe that in life.”
Who knew? Rocky the boxing philosopher! I agree with him actually. I have tough times, seemingly on a daily basis (although that would be an exaggeration), but no battle I face is bigger than the one I have with the dude looking back at me in the mirror. It is not a physical battle (although it is looking like 65), but an inside job. Who am I? Do I have what it takes to serve Jesus? Am I His or just playing a game? Am I ready for today’s battle?
P.S. My heart breaks as I watch pictures of the video and know there are thousands prisoner to a “false paradise.”
An inside job. Yep, that would describe my biggest hurdles too. 🙁 Thanks for Rocky’s advice! 🙂 I saw the movie but had forgotten about that line.
I’m going to have to watch the movie. Especially after reading this line.
We can certainly be our own worst enemy. When I look in the mirror, I try to focus on the fact that I am God’s child, no matter how many wrinkles are looking back at me.
Blessings, Bill!
I know I’m my worst enemy Martha. Wrinkles? Those aren’t wrinkles they are laugh lines.
I ask myself the same questions you asked, Bil–Do I have what it takes to serve Jesus? Am I His or just playing a game?
How others see us is not how we see ourselves–both positively and negatively. What counts is how we are seen by God.
You put your finger on what I consider an important factor, Pam. How others see us is not how we see ourselves.
Such truth brother. it’s easier to call the devil our greatest enemy which can keep us from dealing with our issues. Good post.
Thanks Betty. It is good to hear from you.
Good one, Bill.
Yeah, that guy looking back is hard to reason with sometimes. Wisdom is gained but fades way too easy…