Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Christy and Her Magic Mirror. A True Story


My friend Christy has a magic mirror. It really is magic. I go to her house feeling old, frumpy, with straight hair and no or little make up. My first glance in the mirror always reveals that person—the one I feel at that moment I am. But after an hour or so, when I look in the mirror again, I see a totally different person. This new person has great hair, sparkling eyes, and looks much younger.

For that reason I love going to Christy’s house. And I love her magic mirror. In fact, I wish I had one at home, or better yet, one to carry around with me.

Christy cuts my hair. But she does more than that. She helps me find something in myself that I don’t always feel is there. And she helps me make more of what I have than I could possibly do on my own. We always joke about the magic mirror, but we both know it is Christy who has the magic.

I have thought about that a lot. I appreciate her for what she helps me see in myself and her ability to make more of me than I can do on my own. I am grateful she is in my life.

There are other people who have a similar influence on me—people who help me to see the best in myself and show me how to make more of my life than I could do on my own.

My husband is one of those people. From the first day we met, he has always believed in me. He believes in my ability to do anything and is always supportive. He supported me through sewing classes, tole painting, calligraphy and stiffy bows. He cheered me on when I was called to be the primary chorister—even though I can’t sing—a young women’s leader and seminary teacher. When I look at myself through his eyes, I see someone who can do anything. And that gives me the courage to try.

My sister Terri is another person with a magic mirror. Since we live in different states our time together is limited, but always cherished. Terri is always so positive and encouraging, so supportive and upbeat that I always leave her feeling good about myself and ready to face whatever the world has to offer.

I also have many friends who help me see the best in me. Some help me find my kind side, when I am not feeling very kind, or help me to be wise, when my first impulse might be to be foolish. How grateful I am for their magic mirrors as well.

And so this blog entry is dedicated to all of you out there with magic mirrors and who hold up those mirrors to friends, sisters, brothers, spouses, children and students. It is for the bishop who lovingly guides the wayward youth, the school teacher who insists on a better performance, coaches who push, spouses who support and friends who listen. It is for parents who know their children’s faults and believe in their children anyway.

It is for all of you who help others to believe in themselves and make more of their lives than they could do on their own.

Thanks for believing. Thanks for the magic. And thanks for adding . . . joy to the journey.

7 comments:

alpinekleins said...

What a beautiful post, I love the concept. It is so true, there are those who just can make us feel like we are so loved and valuable. What a gift, something I will strive to be and reflect that image in those that i come in contact with.

Kristin

Anonymous said...

My blog is my magic mirror. It makes me see my life for what it is and the beauty that lies underneath all the laundry and dishes.

Great post.

Unknown said...

This reminds me so much of my sister.
She Has a Magic Mirror right in her living room.

Dave and Camille said...

That was so sweet! Thanks for the great post, it made me feel like going out and helping people :) Love you!

Terri said...

Oh my gosh that just really made me cry. i never thought of myself as being all that positive! I always think I am the boring sister compared to you! In fact I never saw a mirror that I particularly liked all that much, I prefer to just ignore them. Thanks for the sweet post, I will try harder.

Jenny-Jenny said...

Thank you for this post. I want to have a magic mirror for people and I am really going to try and be a person who can.

Donise Price said...

Lori, you ever cease to amaze me! I am so thankful for your blog and the words of wisdom you provide to make my life a better one.