A few weeks ago I had an exceptionally long wait at the chiropractor. As a stay at home mom my three kids were with me since, lucky kids that they are, they have no choice but to go where I go. Thankfully my kids each brought a book to keep themselves occupied. And occupied they were! My six-year-old was buried so deeply in her Sophie Mouse book I had to remind her to watch where she was going. Her nose was buried the entire time we walked to and from the appointment room!

During our visit that day, I had several people compliment the fact that my kids were reading books. Actual paper books. One young man who worked there was pleasantly amused, as if it was a completely foreign sight to him. Unfortunately, it probably was.

I couldn’t help but smile at the handful of comments and compliments as we left—me, with my own paper book tucked into my purse.

Yes, we are raising three young avid readers (for now anyway). How? By being parents who read. Novel concept, right?

You see, kids do what is modeled. If the influential adults in their lives consistently act a certain way or do a certain thing, it’s a good bet those kids are going to grow up and doing the same. It’s certainly not a new idea, but sometimes a reminder is warranted.

Kids aren’t the only ones—other adults in our lives may subconsciously end up reflecting what they see from us as well. It is said that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who are you spending time with? Who is spending time with you?

Is it time to become more deliberate about who you’re spending time with, in order to be more deliberate about who you’re becoming? Seek out healthy influences in your life so that you’ll be strong enough to be a healthy influencer in somebody else’s life.

Knowing that people are modeling themselves after you (whether they’re aware of it or not) may feel like a lot of pressure, especially with kids involved. But listen—we don’t have to carry the pressure. We just have one job here and it’s totally doable.

Our job is to spend enough time with Jesus so that we reflect him. Then, when our kids or friends start to reflect us, they’ll actually be reflecting Him.

So what is it people see when they look in the mirror of your life; what are you reflecting? Contentment and joy or frustration and sarcasm? Confidence and peace or insecurity and discontentment? Love and kindness or a judgmental spirit?

If it’s the former of these options, keep pressing in to God so you can keep reflecting his goodness. If it’s the latter of these options, start (or keep) pressing in to God so you can begin to look more like him. No judgement, no pressure, just one foot in front of the other while you’re taking your next step.

We’re all on a journey. No human other than Jesus is ever going to fully reflect the qualities of God. But that doesn’t mean we can’t keep trying. So deny the pressure you’re inclined to put upon yourself, for your own sanity.

Who are you reflecting today? The snarky co-worker across the hall? Your seemingly always discontent spouse? A reckless friend? Or God?

God’s the only one worth reflecting after all.

What’s in your mirror?

I’d love for you to leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts! (If you’re on your computer, you’ll have to click on the blog post title and then you’ll find the comment section at the end of the post.)