You know that feeling you get when you’ve made it through the gauntlet of the morning routine? The shower. The make-up. The wrestling with cowboy hair. Picking out the clothes.
Ta-Da!! There I stand in front of the mirror, and you know…I look pretty good.
Now, I’ve been nearsighted for years. Oh, and I have astigmatism too. I’ve worn glasses to correct that since my thirties. But it wasn’t until lately that I realized my morning ‘Ta-Da’ moments were seen without correction; through the fuzzy filter of my weak eyes. Seeing my image in a mirror with my glasses on? Hmmm…
Wrinkles. Funny colored patches. Dark circles. Sigh. Who is this woman? I’d find my ego-meter plummeting, accompanied by the sound of a cartoon slide whistle.
And I’m not the only one who judges my appearance.
I remember when I was an operating room educator, in a conference with a general surgeon and the head nurses. The surgeon was introducing a new project: filming a surgical procedure. I’d be able to use it as an orientation tool too. Sounded like a win/win to me.
But then the conversation took a weird turn, as the surgeon began to stress over who should be picked to assist him with the procedure. Well duh. There I was, a twenty-six year old clinical educator in his operating room. Seemed pretty clear to me. Well, I wised up fast as he began to list younger, obviously prettier, staff members as candidates. I wonder if anyone else could hear the air hissing out of my confidence balloon?
But I’m the same person who stood in front of my mirror in the morning.
I’m the same person I was when I walked into that conference.
And the moment I realize that, God leans close to me, and smiles with a love that completely envelops me. He tells me that when I see myself as beautiful, I see as He sees.
How I look. I’m the one who makes it an essential building block in my self-esteem, both as a twenty-something and as a Mom and Nana too. Well, that’s enough of that. It’s time for a new vision. I want eyes that see myself as a beautiful, beloved child of my Father. I want to see me like He sees me.
Those eyes are ready and waiting for me, if I’m willing to accept myself as I am. I’m lavishly loved and seen as beautiful by God in spite of wrinkles, dark circles…all the stuff I think makes me less than. It’s not perfection, or being picked out of a crowd that makes me beautiful. It’s in loving what He has given me, and realizing that I am enough.
I’m going to hold on to those happy ‘no glasses’ moments in the morning. My optical defects? They’re really a God-given gift to see myself just a little bit closer to the way He does.
You know what? I like the view.
(image from Pinterest)
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
I have nothing to add. This was really good!
Hi Mari! Thank you for visiting and commenting too. I’m glad you liked it!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Well Hello There! Long time no chat….
What a great post… I get that oh so not good look feeling from time to time and my hubby reminds me often that I am pretty as ever and to quit complaining about my ankles and knees, I mean we all have them right? So, when I now look in my full length mirror, I just stop from the knees down and smile. God made me perfect in His image and I am beautiful. I am God’s daughter and I am beautiful because He. Made. Me!
I just love how you write. Such an inspiration you are! Thank you. May God continue to bless you through all of your writing and beyond!
Hugs to you, Ceil!
Amy
Hi Amy! Yay! Thanks for stopping by tonight! I agree with your husband, and I’m glad you do too. I have my good days and my bad days as far as how I think I look. But really, God thinks I’m beautiful every day…I want to think like he does!
Thank you for your encouraging comments too. You are such a support to me, I really appreciate it. God bless you and your family
Have a good night,
Ceil
I love this Ceil and you! I understand everything about the acceptance with who we are, the look in the mirror first thing in the morning and knowing I am enough in God’s eyes. I love the reminder of God’s love for each of us.
Thank you for sharing and being you! Hugs!
Hi Mary! I know you are miles ahead of me spiritually, and I’m inspired by your acceptance of yourself. I’m still a work in progress there, but I’m very hopeful that I’m nearing the end of thinking I’m ‘less than’. I suppose my age helps that!
Hugs right back to you! Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Ceil you are a beautiful women inside and out. I look at you and know God doesn’t make mistakes. You are a gift from God a beautiful gift. God bless and thanks for sharing.
Hi Leslie! It’s always so fun to see you here, thank you for reading and commenting!
You are so kind and supportive, I really appreciate your encouragement. We are all beautiful gifts (including you!!) and it makes God so happy to realize that and be thankful. I fall down on that a lot. I hope I am at the end point of repeating that attitude, but I suppose I’ll have my moments. The truth is, we are fearfully and wonderfully made
Have a restful night!
Ceil
Yes Ceil… We have to learn not to try so hard to be a perfect ten…our blessing is that God loves us as we are.
I have learned to not put so much energy into my looks but what is within. I get better rewards in life when I practice this…but sometimes it’s a challenge for sure!
Hi Verona! I’ll always be a ‘perfect 10’ with God. He knew exactly what I’d look like, and He loves it. That’s my journey, to love it too.
It’s wonderful that you have already tackled this subject, and really have a good handle on it. I really believe that is a road to true happiness and thankfulness too.
Have a great Thursday
Ceil
I supposed as we grow older, we began to see ourselves less beautiful, but I am happy that God sees our heart and besides He is the one who created us. For Him, we are beautiful:)
Hi Joy! I think you just summarized the whole post in two sentences. Great thoughts here! No matter how I see myself, my image never changes with God. Always beautiful, always enough.
Have a beautiful Thursday
Ceil
Ceil: We have something else in common besides our names. I, too, am near-sighted and have astigmatism. I recently had an eye exam and I am happy to tell you that my eye examiner told me that our near-sightedness gets better as we get older.
I had a similar experience when I worked for the Army. The person that came into our area to work was slim, blonde, and was the wife of a commissioned officer. I was not happy. I felt betrayed. But I managed to get over it. God has shown me so many things about myself that makes me happy with who He has allowed me to become.
Hi Cecelia! Wow, we have a lot in common, don’t we? Great news from your ophthalmologist, thank you for spreading it!
I’m sure I would have been intimidated by the new hire too. What a testament to grace that you were able to overcome your feelings, and see the beauty in yourself. We all have such beauty in Christ, and we are blessed to realize that.
Thanks for reminding me
Ceil
Yes! Good word!
Thank you Elizabeth! Nice to see you
Blessings,
Ceil
When it says in the Bible God made us in His own image, it doesn’t mean we all have long white beards, or whatever else we perceive Him to be or look like. It means we were all created with the potential to love and care and have mercy and pity on others as He does for us. It is our own doing if as we grow up we end up not looking like Him at all.
This is a marvellous post Ceil. It helps us reflect on who we really are – both body and soul. Without the aid of all the modern make-up and beauty creams to hide our personalities.
As for me, whenever I look at the mirror, the reflection laughs at me. I wonder why.
God bless.
P.S. We seem to be in sync at the moment. We change our posts almost the same day.
Hi Victor! I love that insight about looking like God. Of course it’s more important to ‘look’ like him in love and care. That’s a beauty that’s really needed in this world. And we don’t need makeup for it either.
I always think you post every day? I really admire that, I just can’t keep up! It’s always a pleasure to visit you Victor, always a good word or a smile. Or both!
Happy Thursday
Ceil
All your responders have been female so far Ceil. I’m going to break that chain. Make no mistake ladies, guys go through this same thing. As age creeps, and in my case, takes away muscle mass (I lost my hair long time ago.
) the vanity creeps in. What once required an XL t-shirt now only requires a L. And what is that thing on my neck? I was never overweight so where did that thing come from? I’m glad God does not see my outward condition. He knows my heart is in love with Him.
Hi Bill! Thanks for adding a male perspective (Victor was here today too, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger…). It’s oddly comforting to me that men do this too. I thought women had cornered the market on feeling less valued as we age.
I’m glad God honors His creation at any age, because we remain beautiful to Him always. He does see your beautiful loving heart! And that’s what He treasures.
Have a great day Bill!
Ceil
I smile as I read this, for 60 looms not too far off. And boy, do I hear you!
I’m going to hang onto my mantra … that 60 is the new 30. I think I wrote a post on it a year or so ago. Time to unearth that baby and dust it off …
Hugs!
Hi Linda! I’d like to read that, so I hope you find it! I am also creeping ever closer to that milestone. A head of gray hair, age spots on my hands…oh yeah…
But I do remember King David talking about white hair in his Psalms. I guess if he can carry it off, I can too. And no matter what, we are prized by the God who made us, every step of the way. That’s some Good News!
Happy Thursday twin
Ceil
You described my vision and the “ah ha” moment when I realize I obviously did not have my vision focused correctly. Then I try to remember what it must be like to be blind. Completely blind. I’ve never talked to a blind person before, because I hadn’t come across one, but I always imagined how comfortable they must be in the “clothes” that God gave them. Not that I want to be blind, but oh! I could use more confidence like that.
As I grow older, I am getting more comfortable in my “clothes”. I am. I still try to primp a little bit, (Honestly, I do want to always please my beloved because romance never dies).
Have a wonderful rest of your week!
Hi Patty! What a great thought about the blind person. Certainly how we look has no bearing on their judgement. It would be how we treat them, or the warmth of our voices. Love that insight.
A little primping now and again is a good thing! It sure sounds like your love affair with your husband is going strong
Thursday blessings,
Ceil
I’ve experienced a few of those you-are-over-the-hill-what-could-you-know moments myself. I read a blog post on Incourage.com by Liz Higgs that was a great encouragement. God isn’t finished with us yet and still has a big job for all of us-old, young, beautiful, homely. Yeah, God!!!!!!
Hi Susan! It seems that we all could use a boost now and again. I think deep down we know we are beautiful and loved, but the world can make that hard to do sometimes. Yay for incourage.com for talking about this subject too.
I don’t think we can say it too often. We are enough!!
Blessings,
Ceil
Believe me Ceil, I can relate to the fuzzy vision thing. Every woman needs to read this post. Every woman. Thanks for writing it, my friend
Hi Debby! And sometimes that fuzzy vision works in our favor!
Thank you for your kind comment about the post today. I really think we women, and men as Bill pointed out, need to hear this message again and again. We are beautiful, and created perfectly. No matter the age!
Blessings my friend,
Ceil
Wonderful reflection on how our age with all its wrinkles and sags should never define who we are. To see ourselves as God sees us does tell us we are enough (and beautiful) just where we are.
Blessings, Ceil!
Hi Martha! Thank you for your kind words my friend. I should already know that about myself, but I do need a reminder now and again. I don’t think we can say it too often. We are enough! We are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting today
Blessings,
Ceil
wow. SUCH a good one! Every woman of faith shares THIS most crucial journey!
Man, if I EVER figure out how to LINK blogs to my site, THIS’un is goin’ front n center lol
All Grace all the time,
Kathy
Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I think every woman can use this message, just like you mentioned. We all KNOW it on the inside, but can forget in the course of the day.
Love your sign-off phrase. God sure is, isn’t He?
Happy Thursday my new friend!
Ceil
Good Morning Ceil, I love this post-so very true for all of us women. I don’t think men are nearly as critical as we are. I’m so thankful to have a Papa who adores me, sun spots, wrinkles and all.
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Noreen
Hi Noreen! How fun to see you here today!
You are so right. Jesus says we shouldn’t judge, because He never does. That includes judging ourselves. It’s a hard habit to break though isn’t it? I hope to get better and better at it as the days go by…
Happy Thursday
Ceil
You know how this speaks to me, right….this girl who seeks approval and acceptance….who deleted blog comments because it became too important to me what others think?!?!? Thank you for writing what the Lord placed on your heart….if nobody else needs it, I sure do!
Hi Deb! I’m thankful that it speaks to you, but really it spoke to me too! I never thought about it outside the ‘looks’ idea, but you know, you’re so right. It could be for anyone who has trouble saying that they are enough in any area. And Deb, you are. You are a wonderful blog-friend, whether you take comments or not!
Let’s go forward knowing that we are awesome in God’s sight
Ceil
Ditto what Mari said: I have nothing to add! Beautiful post Ceil! Just beautiful!
Hi Ellen! Aww, thank you. I’m so glad you liked it.
Always good to see you!
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
I can relate so well to your post (I’m nearsighted, so without glasses or contacts things are fuzzy!). I recall only a few times in my life where I’ve felt truly beautiful. It’s a struggle to see myself as God sees me. In God’s economy I’m a princess! At the same time, what really matters is inner beauty–beauty that is formed by spending time with the Lord.
Blessings!
Hi Kim! I can so relate to you. It seems that the only time I feel really ‘beautiful’ when I’m all dressed up, makeup on…making a huge effort. Well, I need to look again. And sometimes that nearsightedness is a real asset, isn’t it? Lol!
We’ll have to remember that God says we are beautiful, and perfect. Just the way he made us.
Have a lovely evening my beautiful friend
Ceil
What a great post. I, too struggle with this issue and am slowing beginning to believe that I am enough- it’s a bit like a roller coaster ride though…sometimes.
Lisa :O)
Hi Lisa! It is like a roller coaster, I agree! Sometimes I’m up on myself, only to plunge back down. That’s a great image.
I hope to get better at realizing I am exactly who God wants me to be. And that has huge worth. And beauty! I think it will take most of my life to get there, but I’m willing to try hard.
Thanks for visiting today!
Ceil
Most of us women struggle with the same thing, Ceil. AND the unfairness of men becoming more distinguished with age–and we women–well we just age. You are absolutely correct, we are HIS beloved and HE sees us through eyes of truth. We ARE beautiful by HIS grace!
GREAT POST, Friend! I wish all women could read it!
Blessings!
Hi Lulu! Your comment made me smile, and do a fist pump too! I love your enthusiasm, thank you for sharing it with me
Yes! We are so beautiful and able and perfect to our Father. I just have to decide to see myself as he sees me. And by His grace, you are so right.
Thank you for making my evening!
Blessings right back to you,
Ceil
Dearest Ceil, how I have missed coming to visit you, my friend. I get your posts delivered to my inbox, but I don’t always make it to your blog to leave a comment….forgive me, dear friend.
I so enjoyed this post and the encouraging words you gave to us. I will take your words with me today… I am so thankful to the Lord for making each one of us the way He did – He is so good
Thinking of you! Sending hugs your way!
Hi Stephanie! How nice to see you again! I know you have a very busy blog, don’t worry about it. I’m always happy to see you when you can get here.
Thank you for your good wishes, comment and hug too! I’m glad you liked the post today.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
Enjoyed this post so much today! And YES….we are ENOUGH!
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hi Cindy! I’m glad you came on over today to read the post! I hope I’ll see you again sometime too. It’s nice to meet you
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
What an uplifting, inspiring blog post!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Anyhoo, I found your blog through a fellow blogger. I thought I would just drop by and say hi! It would totally make my day if you did the same.. or better yet, keep in touch!
Hi Gingi! Thank you for visiting today. I snuck over to your blog and saw the recipe for caramel corn…yum!
I’m glad you liked the post today! And congrats on the recent birth of your baby
Hope you have a restful night,
Ceil
I think we have to learn to accept ourselves complete with our physical imperfections. I have never been an ‘oil painting’ but now I am getting older and have disabilities and obvious signs of illness and surgeries – as has our son.
I have probably only been out about a dozen times in the last 6 months. Often we sit on the sidelines watching the ‘beautiful’ people rush by. As we watch how people react with each other and strangers we can see those who have the true beauty through their kindness of spirit ( although beautiful people can be kind too!).
As God sees the true person within our physical frame – and we too can observe it in others – we must also be kind to ourselves and accept that looking perfect ( although we try to look our best) isn’t the most important thing to strive for, love Andrina X
Hi Andrina! I think you have the right frame of mind. The way we treat each other does truly allow what beauty we have to shine…or not. It has nothing to do with physical beauty, as you said. It’s all about what’s in our hearts.
God does see us in a way others do not, right down to the core. He knows what motivates us too, which can be beautiful or ugly. In the end the thing that lasts is love. That’s the bottom line.
So good to see you today my friend! Have a wonderful weekend
Ceil
Oh I loved this, Ceil. At almost 51, I’m hit hard some mornings when I look into the mirror. The tiny pouches under my eyes if I didn’t get JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF BEAUTY SLEEP are what get to me the most. But yes, it’s time to grow up and focus on seeing myself the way God does. Focus on inner beauty, which is what REALLY makes a woman beautiful! I love your statement about imperfect vision enabling you a “you” that resembles more what God sees!
Hi Betsy! Thank you for your kind comments today. I like how you said ‘focus on inner beauty’. That’s really where I live. The outside stuff I have very little do with. I didn’t choose the way I look, but I can choose how I act and treat others.
By the way, 51? You’re still a baby!!
Happy Friday
Ceil
Ceil, your post was just what I needed to read this morning as I have been going through a few rough patches this week.
I see God as he looks at me this morning and He is telling me “I am all He wants me to be , my outside beauty might be fading but heart’s beauty will never fade!”
Thanks soooooo much for the inspiring person you are!
Bless you,always!
Hi Margie! I’m so glad you came by, and that this post helped a bit. I have been going through ‘rough patches’ too, and it’s good to reflect on how much I mean to the Lord, and how beautiful I am to Him.
That’s really the only opinion that matters.
Have a joyful weekend my friend,
Ceil
I hope one day this message will stick to me and never wear off! ha. The optical illusions of imperfection are only for our bodies–thankfully God sees our insides through the eyes of His Son. That’s what counts. Perfection! I appreciate you sharing your heart on this, Ceil. Moral of the story: I don’t need to put my glasses on too often when I look into the mirror at myself.
Hi Lisa! Let me tell you, I am often very thankful for my blurry vision. Why not see myself like God does? I think that’s the way to go.
I know God says we are both beautiful, inside and out! So let’s live on that, because He never lies. Have a wonderful Spring weekend in your fab weather
Ceil
You are enough and you are worthy.
Have a blessed weekend, Ceil!
Hi Lux! Thank you! And the Good News is: We all are
Happy Sunday,
Ceil
Thanks for these wise thoughts, Ceil. I appreciate your encouragement, and really needed this today!
Hugs,
Jen
Hi Jeanette! Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you could use what you read.
Hope you’re having a relaxing Sunday,
Ceil
Hi Ceil, I loved this post! Your messages always seem to hit me right where I am, thank you for yielding to His message for us!
Also, you asked about the movie-we saw True Story and it was interesting. A writer for the New York times lost his job and then a murdered stole his identity. The writer developed a relationship with the man; we had seen the writer interviewed on a news show-so it was interesting to see the movie. Intriguing I would say. Don’t think I would go see it again, but it was a fun way to spend an afternoon with hubby, his choice of the movie to see.
Hope you have a wonderful day and week.
Blessings, Noreen
Hi Noreen! Sounds like we are on the same track then! I’m so glad you can relate to what you read here.
I saw that news story on TV too. It was 48 Hours or something like that. Fascinating. I read a review that said they couldn’t figure out who was manipulating who! I’m glad you had some time out with your husband. That’s always fun, even if the movie sometimes isn’t.
I did have a good day thank you! Hope you have a great week too
Ceil