The last time you looked into the mirror, did you recognize the miracle staring back at you?

Usually when I look into the mirror, my complaint is about my hair not being the way I like it, or some imperfection that catches my eye. I forget that God created me to be, well… me. He made me unique — inside and out. Every once in awhile I may actually be pleased with the way I look, but do I think to thank God in that moment?

Most of us are quick to complain when racked by the occasional aches and pains throughout our bodies. We are very good at voicing when things aren’t working properly; however when everything is functioning normally, we tend to forget what an amazing gift our bodies are.  

Have you ever paid attention to your breathing, just because you wanted to appreciate the ability to inhale and exhale? Have you ever wiggled your toes and feel them connect with earth? Have you ever been completely silent and just felt the pulse of life-giving blood flowing throughout your body to nourish each cell?

So how well, then, do you take care of this precious gift you’ve been given? Do you get enough sleep? Do you eat a balanced diet? Do you exercise? How many times do you give priority to your busy life and forget that you need to care for yourself?

God may have granted us a miracle in creating our being, but it is up to us to determine how we accept and treasure His gift.

Jesus prayed to the Father for His Apostles, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.” (John 17:15-16) We are both physical and spiritual creatures. As we strive for a spiritually closer relationship with God, let us thank Him first and foremost for the gift of ourselves. Let us also ask Him how we can best share this gift with others, for all gifts are meant to be shared. Is it by smiling to someone we don’t know? Is it giving a hug to friend who needs comfort, or is it sharing a meal with family? God put us in this world, not to be solely focused on the day-to-day, but to live in His family, caring for the miracles of each one around us.   

So the next time you look in the mirror, whether you’re satisfied with the reflection looking back at you or not, smile and thank God for the miracle of you. The beauty of God’s creation will then be reflected out to the world from you.