Mirror, Mirror In The Spring

Mirror, Mirror in the Spring

When the World Distorts the Reflection

On his first-ever hiking adventure, Dad found himself witnessing one of those classic parenting moments destined to become legendary family lore.

He saw his young son kneeling by a glimmering spring, peering with utter fascination into the rippling water below. But instead of calm reflection, the boy seemed locked in a fierce battle—with his own face.

With cheeks squished, nose twisted, and forehead furrowed, the little fellow tugged and pushed at his features, surely hoping to coax them into something a bit more presentable.

It was as if the spring had become his personal beauty salon, but the only stylist available was his own ten fingers.

Dad, trying to stifle a chuckle and masking his amusement with a look of gentle concern, called out, “Hey, buddy, what’s going on over there? Did your face get stuck in one of those silly shapes?”

The boy, still determined, glanced up and exclaimed, “I’m fixing my face, Dad. The water keeps making it look all funny, and I just want it to look right!”

Dad nodded sagely, knowing that sometimes life’s reflections aren’t as flattering as one might hope—especially when the mirror is a wiggly spring.

But the moment was more than just a comedy sketch in the great outdoors. It was a living illustration of how, just like the spring’s surface, the world can distort our image and try to convince us to twist ourselves into something we’re not.

We can spend ages prodding and stretching, hoping to appear just right in the eyes of others, but—as Romans 12:2 reminds us—there’s a better way.

We’re called not to let the world press us into its mold, no matter how many times our “face” doesn’t cooperate with what’s fashionable, or trendy.

Instead, we’re invited to let our minds be transformed, to embrace the unique “face” we’ve been given, and to reflect the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

So next time you catch your reflection looking a little wonky—whether in a spring, a shop window, or a social media selfie—remember: maybe it’s not your face that needs fixing, but your perspective.

Takeaway: Don’t let the world reshape you—let God renew your mind so your life reflects Christ, not the culture.

Scriptures: Romans 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:22–25; Colossians 3:1–3, 10

Contributor: LC Taylor, Sr. (USA)

Check out more illustrations from my book, "That Reminds Me... by Loyd C Taylor, Sr. Amazon