In Your Eyes: The Original Mirror Game

When I was little, my sister Donna (12 years older) and I had this strange-but-sweet ritual. She’d gaze into my eyes and sing: “I see Donna in your eyes.” I’d sing back: “I see Clare in your eyes.”

Whether or not she had ever heard of mirror neurons, she was onto something deep. Neuroscientists say these are brain cells that fire both when we act and when we see someone else act. Translation: we’re literally wired to reflect each other. And maybe that’s exactly what Genesis 1 meant when God said, “Let us make humankind in our image.” To see another person is, in some mysterious way, to see the reflection of God. Our very eyes become mirrors of divine presence, hardwired for communion, imitation, and love. (Spend time with God on retreat online or in person October 3-4)

This week was a walk from Birth to the Third Act!

Sunday: Baby Dedications (full prayer at the end)
This week, we dedicated a group of babies, hot from the hand of God. Theology aside, look at those cheeks! To gaze upon a child is to encounter the face of God—a reminder that caring for one another is sacred work. In those little faces, we are invited to practice the spiritual disciplines of attention, nurture, and protection.

Wednesday: Wrinkles as Weapons
Midweek, I was interviewed for the Gospel Summit (Airing October 21-24 promo to come!) about aging, the third act of life, and why I like to say, “my wrinkles free people.” Apparently, my 63 year old neck is now part of my spiritual arsenal. Each line on our faces tells a story of mirrored love, a reflection of life lived in communion with others and with God.

Friday: Podcasting & Original Blessing
On Friday, recording our new podcast Soul Resources (releasing soon!) and therapist Griffith Brown asked me to expand on what I’d said during the dedication: “To look in the face of a child is to look at the face of God.” That riff led us to the concept of Original Blessing and Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:10:

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

The faces we meet—child or adult—invite us to see God’s image reflected back at us. And the care we offer others is often only as whole as the care we extend to ourselves.

Reflection Questions
• Who are you gazing at and mirroring that is helping you reflect God’s love?
• What (or who) are you looking at that you’d rather not become?
• How might you shift your gaze this week to see the divine image in others—and in yourself?

A Prayer for Gazing and Mirroring
Let this not be just a prayer for babies, but for all of us learning to reflect God’s image:

Loving Creator, open our eyes to see Your image in the faces around us. Give us Your Spirit to love, nurture, and encourage one another as You do. Teach us patience, compassion, and courage in our relationships. Forgive us when life’s worries distract us from seeing Your reflection in those we encounter.

May we welcome the responsibility of caring for one another, protecting the vulnerable, and celebrating Your creation. May our gaze mirror Your love, and may we live into the blessing You place upon all Your children. (See Child Dedication prayer at the end)

Amen.

Blessing for the Week
May the simplicity of coming to Jesus like a child, receiving His love, provision, and blessing, be yours this week and always. Amen.

Spend 4 days with in January with us and how the Enneagram Harmony model amplifies the Imago Dei (image of God) in you! Enneagram Certification is an option!