Once we reach adulthood and are able to make decisions on our own, we have a responsibility to search out hindrances to a happy life that may lie in our way. Enemy number one (for almost everyone) stares back at us from an unlikely hiding place—the mirror.

We choose what to do and where to be. We choose to remain in sorrow and self-pity or search for an escape. The first place to look for the source of any woes we may have is within ourselves.

Paul encouraged people to examine and test themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is easier said than done. None of us wants to find the warts and bumps we carry, so they go ignored and untreated.

It is easier to blame other people, circumstances or things for our woes. That never brings a solution—it is like discarding the mirror.

Rather than do that, our first response should be to take a good, long, honest look in that mirror and be willing to change the flaws we see—otherwise, our enemy wins.