Made to Reflect

Photo by George Hodan

Have you ever looked into a puddle, and saw your reflection? Surely you have looked at yourself in the mirror. I often imagine our distant ancestors peering a bucket of water or into a polished metal piece, transfixed by the reflection looking back at them. I imagine it like the myth of Narcissus, a young man who saw his reflection in lake, and fell in love with his own beauty. He was turned into a flower for his trouble. Yet, I doubt the ancient world was transfixed by the reflections they saw. They probably learned to ignore them much like our generation. Our reflections probably only serve to remind us of our flaws or satisfy our sense of worth, but they can do so much more.

Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God--designed to reflect his glory back into this world. In all of our relationships and experiences, their is a way in which we can reflect God. Paul identifies the husband and wife relationship with the relationship of Christ and the church. Parenthood is linked to God the Father. Even work and rest find deeper meanings when we see the connection to creation and redemption. Yet in Adam the image was corrupted, so that our relationships and experience do not always reflect the glory and goodness of God.

Initially, we were made so that others viewing us would see God at work within us. We would reflect him: not necessarily in our outward appearance (as a child would his parents), but in our attitudes and actions. In this way, the reflection points back to the source. As fallen human beings, we no longer reflect our source properly. Yet in Christ, the image is being restored within believers. As the Spirit works in our lives, characteristics of a fallen life give way to the characteristics of Christ--strife is replaced with peace, anger is replaced with joy (See Gal. 5:16-24).

As we think about our initial purpose (reflecting God's glory) and the Spirit's sanctifying work (bringing Christ out in us), we can return to the mirror with a renewed sense of purpose--reminder. Our reflections point us back to ourselves. If we aren't careful, we might fall into Narcissus's folly. Seeing our reflections can remind us to look beyond our outer appearance, and reflect on the shape of our inner person. Are we reflecting the glory of Christ? Just as we give careful attention to our appearance, we must give careful thought to our attitudes and actions.

In this world, we are often reminded of the need to slow down and reflect. We need to reflect on ourselves: our attitudes, actions, and purpose. We were created and redeemed for a purpose--to reflect the glory of our Maker.As you reflect upon this truth, I hope other come to see Jesus in you.

A Birthday Reflection

Today, May 16th, 2013 would have been my grandma's 92nd birthday. I miss her. We met the day I was born, and we become fast friends. I don't remember everything we used to do, but remember a lot.

I remember jokes, she always had a new joke. My friends never believed my grandma would tell such jokes, but she did. I can't tell them today since I'm a pastor and some of the ones I remember would make a trucker blush.

I remember the sacrifices she made. The letters she sent me. I remember that she used to drive 5 hours, often alone, to see me and my family. I remember delicious food, and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

I remember long family vacations crammed in the car with grandma. I don't (usually) remember them fondly. Although now, I wouldn't give those memories up.

I remember the never ending smoke from her cigarettes--often lit one from the other. I remember smell of her perfume.

I remember the painful goodbyes that left a small boy angry and hurt. That anger turned to resentment which eventually became bitterness. That bitterness robbed me of opportunities to spend more time with my grandma.

I realize now that she probably cried just as hard as I did every time we said goodbye. But I was blind to that in childhood. It never crossed my mind that she hurt, too. It's embarrassing to admit, but it has only recently dawned on me.

My grandma was a beautiful woman. She was strong and frightening. She was wild and gentle. She was a giving, loving person. She was haunted by a hard life, but she tried to make the most of it. I hope she knew how deeply I loved her, even though it took me awhile to remember it myself.

Taking Time to Reflect

Whatever the reason, New Year's (Eve and Day) seems to be a time of reflection. Reflection can be a good thing if it does not mire us in guilt and doubt. We need to be people who not only plan ahead, but who look back and evaluate our choices. Don Whitney, author and professor, has produced a list of questions to help guide us in the reflection process. I encourage you to take some time to reflect on these questions. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back over where you have been.