Our family was very poor, but it wasn’t always the case. Mom was a descendant of a very rich religious family. Her father owned a lot of property and rented it with interest. His revenue was enough to provide for the whole family in abundance. Their level of living was pretty high for those times. Their house was filled with a very expensive furniture, made exclusively for them... But times changed and another authority, which came to power had my grandfather assassinated right in his own home. When it happened, my grandmother stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, holding my mom in her arms, pleading God for mercy... and somehow the murderer left without entering the bedroom. Their lives were miraculously spared.
My grandmother and my mom were evacuated far away from that house in order to survive that political earthquake and when they returned after many years, they found their house empty. All the furniture was gone, except for that old mirror in the bedroom. Coming very close to it, my grandmother touched the mirror as it were a real person and began to weep, saying: “my life, my life!” Her tears run down its surface and turned into stains, uneatable till this day. The last words of my grandmother: “Please take care of this mirror” seemed to mark my mom’s life; she was never the same since, she lived all her life with a feeling of soon approaching calamity. Now she got seriously sick; both me and my dad watched her becoming weaker every day.
Big old mirror settled now in the living room of our apartment, its height being from the floor to the ceiling. Every time my parents argued with each other, I would hide and secretly watched their fights reflected in that mirror. My father worked two jobs to make a living, but in spite of his hard working, we barely had enough to survive. He would come home exhausted and look at the mirror.
“Darling, - he would start, - if we would sell this mirror...” It was a usual scene, I already knew what’s coming next. With very few variations, it played almost exactly the same every time.
“No! Not this mirror! - my mom would protest with a very strong emotion, - You don’t understand! You trample on my feelings! When I look into this mirror, I see my mother in her glorious life, surrounded by all that beauty and splendor! And I can see myself in that picture. If you take this mirror, you’ll strip me of my identity; I cannot live without it!!”
My dad would come closer and hold her in his arms. In attempts to appease the storm, he would bring few other arguments: “But you stopped eating... look how skinny you became! You don’t want to die from starving... you’re so feeble now. We can sell this mirror and pay the physician.”
But mom refused to calm down, her picture of the world was permanently fixed. “You can break me in pieces, but not this mirror!” - she would exclaim. And we would never move away from that conclusion. I knew that little amount of food they got, they would give me, so I was growing up with anger and guilt. This mirror represented to me my mom’s suffering, as she was trying to hold onto something which didn’t exist. For some strange reason, she was so possessive about that old mirror, that would not let go of it at any price. Her struggle lasted many years... until she died.
One day I came home and saw my father in the empty apartment. “I have a surprise for you son”- he said with enthusiasm, - we live in a different quarter now. I already have all our stuff moved. It would be much healthier for both of us to move away from this gloomy environment and to get used to a different picture of the world. I was eager to see a different picture, but as we arrived to our new dwelling, the first thing I saw was that big old mirror.
“Why did you bring the mirror?!” - I was shocked, to say the least.
My dad hugged me and said: “It’s memory... mom asked me to take care of it.” He left for work and I stood alone in our new home. I just got eighteen, my life was in front of me... I looked in the mirror: That guilty angry boy I was few years ago, was starring at me, waiting for an answer... and I didn’t have it for him. My thoughts and feelings were raging inside me. Suddenly I felt a fresh breathe blowing through my mind: “Maybe mirror isn’t that important? Maybe other people have a solution for me? This can’t be the only thing to see, - I decided and went outside to explore the neighborhood.
Outside was cold and dump, so I entered the first opened door, which happened to be a welder shop. A welder was working somewhere in the back and didn’t see me entering. I slowly looked around the shop. But strangely, all I saw there were cracked mirrors, all different shapes and forms. I wondered through his shop and suddenly heard his voice next to me: “Hello young man, do you have a mirror for me to fix?”
I kept looking at mirrors around. “No, not really, - I started slowly, not wanting to engage in a conversation. But wait a second…- A contradiction interrupted the flow of my thoughts - once a mirror is broken, it can’t be fixed, only replaced. Then how can you fix mirrors?” Now I turned to the welder and looked straight into his eyes: “Can you tell me how do you fix those cracked mirrors?”
To my surprise, he looked so innocent and ready to answer: “I assemble the pieces and weld them together, then put layers of some special transparent covering upon it. With the years, I mastered my skill really well. I can do such a fine job, that you will not even see the cracks. It appears as if nothing ever happened to it. Nowadays cracked mirror is no longer a tragedy. People simply adjust their eyes to see the same reality in a different way, that’s all.”
I couldn’t understand: “Do you mean it’s OK to use a mirror after it has been broken?!”
“Absolutely!!”- he answered with confidence. I still wasn’t convinced and continued: “Do you use a cracked mirror yourself?”
“No, not exactly, - the tone of his voice changed a bit, - I have my own mirror, but I rarely look at it... only when no one sees me. I keep it only to myself, protected - he pointed at the heap of draping materials and soft cushions, - right over there. The more you look at it, the faster it will worn out and crack, it usually cracks at the exposure to the light... I’m OK not to look at it, but simply knowing I’ve got mine and I keep it private.”
At that moment he lifted his head high and proclaimed: “My customers pay me to do the job and I honestly conduct my business.”
“I choose a mirror without cracks”- I concluded and turned to leave.
“Your choices might change as you grow. I’ll be here at your service! - he shouted as I was walking away.
In front of me was a little busy street with many shops, people going in and out nonstop. Towards the end of the street I saw a peddler. He spread out something shiny on a little table and few people were buying from him. Is it jewelry? I was curious and started walking towards him. His customers left and I saw such a content expression on his face, he obviously got some good sales going. He greeted me with the words: “Welcome into the world of Art! Everything you wish to see, is here for you!”
I looked closer at his little table. There were many pieces of broken mirrors, different shapes, about a size of human hand. They all had different colors and a cute metal frame on the edges.
“You sell to people broken mirrors! It’s cheating!” - I was in shock by what I saw.
“I would disagree with you young man. The reality we live in is scary for many people, they need to see something different. I respond to this need and my business is blossoming”- replied the peddler, keeping the smile. - Everywhere I go, I find the pieces of broken mirrors that people throw away. I clean them and put a bright filter on its surface. Then once the welder adds metallic frame over its edges, it appears as if it was meant to be this shape. It attracts a lot of customers. Hey! I’m living on it! - His smile got even bigger. - It really helps to see your situation in a different light. Rarely people like only one color. They usually purchase a few different pieces, like these people that just left. Of course! It provides them with a feeling of a change and a found solution to the present trouble. Would you like to have a look at my new collection?”
“No, thanks. I’m not impressed” - I concluded and turned to leave.
“It’s called the art of life! - he shouted behind my back, - you will learn it as you grow!”
I kept walking away, with his last words resonating in my head: “The art of life... I guess I never learned it. Do I need to learn it? Do I have to learn it? Can I live without it?”
My thoughts seemed to wonder in some empty space. To find an answer, I entered through another open door. This time I walked into a bar. The exultation in the atmosphere was electrifying. Very loud music, lots of lights. Mirrors on the walls and the ceiling reflected all those lights and literally multiplied the celebration. The barman spotted me entering and called out:” Come on in buddy, don’t stand so far! No-one is a stranger in my place!”
I went closer to the bar stand. He was a young fellow, not much older than myself. For a moment he has put a serious face and asked: “Are you eighteen years of age?” I nodded my head and noticed that a big shiny glass was already standing in front of me. The barman put the glass into my hand with the words: “Drink buddy! On the house.
I hesitated, but he persisted: “Come on! Loosen up! Get the bridle out of your mouth and drink to the full! You don’t wanna miss all the fun!” I finished the full glass at once and looked at the dancing crowd. The barman was right there again. “See that girl over there? - he asked me, pointing at a beautiful girl that was literally flattering on the dance floor in the sparkling light. She broke with her boyfriend yesterday... Got the hint? Come on, start moving.”
I didn’t have time to think. As he spoke, that girl was already next to me, holding my hand.
“Do you dance?”- she asked, smiling at me. I was not sure of myself. “Come on, I’ll teach you”, - she said and pulled me right in the center of the bar.. “Now everybody is dancing a mirror dance. - she announced to me, - Simply follow my moves”. She got really close and whispered in my ear: “Nowadays you don’t really have time to get to know the other person. You just see how well he can mirror you and you naturally get attracted to your own reflection! Love is a mirror, in order to feel it, all you need is to mirror the other.”
I felt lost and stopped moving. “Where is me in this picture? - I wondered out loud.
She didn’t expect me to be that serious. “Look, I don’t know you, - she responded, - all I see is that you cannot connect with others since you don’t agree to mirror! If you cannot connect, you cannot love! - and she went on dancing, leaving me at the bar stand.
The bar tender was right there again: “Recoil? It happens. This one is surely not the easiest to start with... come on, have another drink!” As I emptied my second glass he exclaimed “Welcome to the mirror civilization!” My face turned into a big question mark. The bar tender tapped me on a shoulder: “Let me give you a little lesson here, - he started with a voice of a teacher, - mirror is a way to coop with life, it’s a way to be in tune with the world around you and to genuinely connect with others. Don’t be trapped in your own world view! Learn! Start to show off and admire others. Because the appearance is the most profitable among all other goods in today’s world. If It appears so, it is so! That’s the way everybody lives. It’s not hard to get used to, you’ll see. If you desire to be somebody, all you have to do is to get as many mirrors as you can afford and appear to be big and influential. You can appear so cool and amazing in those multiple reflections... It won’t be a simple flat image anymore, but in 3d! And you can keep adding mirrors... hey! It’s unlimited potential. - He bent over and whispered to my ear - See that guy over there at the corner? He is very evil. By the hands of others he killed innocent people. Can you say this, simply looking at him?”
“No...”- I turned my head from left to the right.
He continued: “I’ll tell you a secret, it’s not just gossip. He purchased so many mirrors to appear the way he does, so everyone likes him. Everyone sees his own reflection in his multiple mirrors. I’m your mirror, you’re my mirror - got the hint? That’s wisdom. Those who got the most reflections are considered to be the high society. The level of life depends on how many people can see you in their picture of the world. Without a mirror - you’re nobody!” The barman’s attention switched to someone else and I finally went out of there into the cold darkness of the night. “Out of that weird mirror civilization!” - I decided and looked up. But even the sky looked flat like a mirror, reflecting back to me my ugly world. This happened to be the last drop. “I hate mirrors!” - I shouted in desperation. Having quickly picked up few stones from the ground, I run towards home.
I stood in front of our old mirror, enraged, ready to execute the convicted one and punish the wickedness. “It all started with you! - I declared, - You are evil and deserve to be stoned!” With this words I threw my stones into the mirror. It broke, but the pieces were still big. “I have to finish the job, - I decided and went to jump and dance upon the mirror pieces, smashing them smaller and smaller. - No welder will fix you, no peddler would use your pieces! No one will see anything in you ever again!! You are done!” I was treading the pieces of the shattered mirror under my feet... until few small chips flew straight into my eyes and I fell unconscious on the heap of broken glass.
A loud noise woke me up: many people taking in the same time, shouting, groaning… doors open and close all the time, some heavy stuff rolling on the floor… I couldn’t see anything, so I made an effort to orient myself by the senses. I was laying in a metal bed. It sounded rather like a busy train station, but smelled like hospital. As I was trying to figure it out, I’ve heard an angry voice next to me:
“I’m not answering any of your questions! Write whatever name you want, I don’t care!”
“I understand sir, but here in the clinic of The Great Physician we do not do whatever we want, we have to register your true name for the records”, - followed a polite and clear answer.
Suddenly a very strong and firm voice of an older man took over the conversation: “What’s all this agitation about? You are in danger of bleeding to death, you’d better hurry up to get a treatment.”
“Get a treatment?! - picked up the sick one next to me, - Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?! I don’t trust you people!! Who gave you the license to handle my life? The world is free and I can do in it whatever I want! I made up my mind!”
“That’s right, sir. The choice is totally yours”, - and his bed started rolling away. “It will be my turn now, - I thought and heard a female voice yelling:
“What do you mean you can’t give me any information at this point?! You have no idea who are you talking to! I will not tolerate these conditions! I have to know what will happen to my property and need to talk to my adviser immediately! I will fight for my rights!”
The same voice answered her: “There is no-one here to fight with you ma’m. We are here to help people. Your greatest right is your freedom of choice. You can give your consent and be treated or disagree and walk out of here, but The Great Physician only practices in this clinic. Keep in mind, you have to choose fast, since the emergency entrance must be cleared.”
The tone of her voice changed, as she responded sarcastically: “No, thanks. I want special attention. Plus I can afford a private doctor, who will treat me in my own home, under my terms!!” - and her bed got rolling towards those heavy doors.
I tried to move my legs, but they didn’t obey me. “Well… looks like I don’t even have an option to walk out of here, I would have to crouch…” - I started to shiver from that thought. My mind was made. “Do you want to stay here or leave? Decide quickly, we need to keep the emergency entrance clear!” - They kept walking from one person to another with the same words. Waiting for my turn, I concluded: “So many people must have arrived here before me.” Upon this thought I put all my effort and turned to the other side.
As I turned, I felt a gentle touch on my forehead, like the warmth of my mom’s hand. My bed started rolling and I’ve heard a woman’s voice next to me:
“My name is Mercy; I’m the head nurse in this clinic. Let me get you settled over here.” I understood we got into an elevator and started to move up. “I’m taking you to your room, - she explained to me, - it’s on the upper floor. You have an amazing view from there…”
“That wasn’t merciful of her, - I thought, - I can’t see a thing and she is talking to me about an amazing view!”
She seemed to read my thoughts and continued: “Few very small pieces of a toxic image got into your eyes. They damaged the retina and you can’t see anything at this point; they also affected your entire body, mostly legs. It’s not an unusual case. We deal with it a lot.” My bed stopped and she announced: “This is your private room. Miracles happen here, if you need one.”
I was afraid she would leave and stretched my hands to her. “Don’t worry, I’m always here, when you need me; I assist every recovery process,” - Mercy sat down on the edge of my bed and I felt her gentle scent permeating my world.
I was still puzzled about my first impression and asked her: “It surely feels so different from the emergency department… Why such a difference? Why is it so much stress down there?”
“Emergency is a hard place to work, so much is happening all the time. - she explained, - They need to keep the entrance cleared and hurt people arrive non-stop. Some cases are really heavy: some protest, some are aggressive. Those coordinators work so hard, they have to be tough. Their job is to bring sick people to their point of decision, without it they cannot be treated here. Healing is for everyone, but The Great Physician will never force anyone to accept His treatment.”
“I tried to nod my head in agreement, but then another question popped up: “What about that terrible smell there? It was unbearable!”
“Oh, it’s a special mixture they spray all over that area. It’s very strong, especially one particular ingredient. It helps people to wake up from their deceptive lethargic sleep. Once they come back to their senses, they can make a decision. We use the same solution to disinfect the wounds from rotting. Once you get your vision back, you will see the whole picture for yourself.”
“Are you serious? Did you just said I will get my vision back? - My heart was ready to dance inside me, - How long will it take?”
“Whatever time it needs for a new vision to be formed within you - she responded and put her hand upon my eyes. - Now you need a good rest. Tomorrow you’re supposed to start your detoxication treatment.” Upon those words I fell sound asleep.
As I opened my eyes, Mercy was still there. I knew by the scent. “Recovery is a process, - she said, - just calm on the inside and listen.” I’ve heard the rustling of the pages, as of a book, and then her gentle voice:
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
As she stopped, I asked her: “Who did you read about?”
“About you. This is your new picture of the world. This is the medicine prescribed to you by The Great Physician.” - followed her answer.
She kept reading… on and on… obviously she was very serious about her task.
After a few days she asked if I was ready to remove those chips of a broken mirror from my eyes. She guided both of my hands to my eyes and said: “Now, simply grab them and throw them away from you! You won’t need them anymore.” I still couldn’t see, but as I did this, I felt immediate relief. I felt a new strength infused into my body and tried to get up on my feet… but my legs were so shaky that I collapsed on the floor next to the bed. Mercy was right there. She picked me up and placed me back upon my bed, saying:
“You’re supposed to see first, and then walk. This is the order of The Great Physician, you cannot neglect His orders, if you want to be healed and whole. Remember I told you that with the time, if you follow the treatment, a new vision will be formed within you. You need to trust the process, until you will see the result. You should look into this picture as in the mirror… until you see your image.”
Time went by… I don’t know how long. Mercy was by my side, reading to me every time I would be ready to listen:
“He sent His word and healed them…
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases…
Your eyes will see the king in His beauty and view a land that stretches afar…
I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up…
The hearing ear and the seeing eye - the Lord made them both…
But I will see Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your presence…
Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.…”
I started to love those words and experience supernatural strength invigorating my entire body every time I would meditate on what I heard. I enjoyed the new found sense of well-being. Even when I was alone, the scent of Mercy was with me in my room.
One day she sat down to read as usual and all of a sudden a flashing light revived my entire body - from head to toe and I shouted: “I see! I see myself in that picture!” I was shocked and fascinated at the same time. I got up on my feet and started dancing with Mercy around the room.
“It’s amazing what I see, you were right!” - I said and stopped, catching my breath.
“Oh, I’m so pleased to hear this” - she answered with a glowing smile. - Now you can walk on your own and live out the new vision you received.”
To leave? …I hesitated, I didn’t want to go back to my broken life… She read my thoughts and responded:
“You don’t have to go back to the broken life of the past. You have a new picture of the world now, and you look quite different in that picture, don’t you?” ”Right, - I nodded my head, - but I will miss you, Mercy… I will miss those words…”
“You don’t have to miss me, - she grabbed a book, which was laying next to my bed, and passed it to me - You can take the reality you’ve seen here into your new life. Keep healthy, take this medicine every day! These are the words of your Shepherd, they contain the virtue of life itself. You will hear His voice leading you - just follow and I will always be there with you, for this is the world where I belong. You will know by the scent.”
She opened the door in front of me. It looked like a place I never been to before… I looked at Mercy - she was laughing! “Quite a change! - she said, - isn’t it? It’s the street you live in, but since your picture of the world changed, you see differently. You are different. Your new image of yourself is better than the one the world offers you.” You have a thrilling adventure ahead!
I made the first step into my new life and heard the voice behind me, saying “This is the way, walk in it”.