OUR REFLECTION
I try to see the things in life that are less obvious than the main things people focus on. A good example that most of us have gotten to witness in life is a picturesque mountain next to a calm lake. The reflection on the water is like a mirror of the mountain itself. The water reflects the beauty of the things around it.
I think too often in our warp-speed world, we get a glimpse of everything, but miss the details surrounding a subject, especially with people. All of us leave obvious clues throughout our lives that reflect the real story of what’s happening in our lives and what might be currently happening.
When a bolt of lightning strikes a tree or any object on a mountain, it leaves scars or signs of the past. The river running through the heart of a mountain brings life, but it also brings wear. It doesn’t take much more than being able to see the big “E” on an eye chart to be able to gaze upon the physical aspects of a mountain.
It takes a little more understanding and wisdom to spot the invisible scars that all of us carry to one degree or another that reveal wear from our past, our reflection. If we look for the signs or details in the lives of others we can tell more about them than meets the eye.
I’m not suggesting or endorsing judging someone by their looks or even sometimes actions, I’m referring to actually caring enough about them to consider their journey in life. At some point in our lives we’ve all made mistakes, been overbearing for the wrong reasons, even if it is only with family. We’ve been prideful, selfish, jealous, quick to anger, and even boastful.
Those traits reveal the weaknesses we all possess, some are scars, some are just normal wear of life. As Christians it’s easy to point fingers at people and actions that we may have mastered or have hidden well, but that’s not what we’re called for.
I have to remind myself on a regular basis of that fact. God puts it on my heart so I talk to myself, “It’s not all about you”! When I stop and acknowledge that fact, it’s a very freeing experience directed by God.
We tend to be like that lake… We can be rough, choppy, with a green hue of envy, or we can allow God’s spirit to calm us and reflect the beauty of Him. Interestingly enough, when we reflect God and others, we always look and feel our best.
I can almost hear Him commanding my waters…
“Be Still”…
April
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 7:03 am
Be Still…one of those things I don’t do well. I tend to get caught up in the busyness of life that I forget to take time to “be still”. Thanks for the reminder.
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 10:10 am
Thanks April, I have to remind myself on a regular basis. It’s nice to know I’m in good company!
TC Avey
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 7:40 am
“It’s not all about you”! When I stop and acknowledge that fact, it’s a very freeing experience directed by God.”
This is the second blog I have come across today dealing with freedom. It is so liberating when we fall into step with God and stop resisting Him by being tangled in the world. While this was not the main object of your post, it is what spoke to me. When I ask God to help me see others through His eyes and love them with His heart, I allow myself the freedom of accepting them, warts and all (but this is not an easy or natural thing to do. I continually have to remind myself these things).
We all have battle scars, some more obvious than others- but Jesus loves us all and heals us all. Thank you for this wonderful reminder on a Monday- great way to start the week.
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 10:14 am
Thanks for the kind words TC. I’ve had this one ready to publish for close to a month and didn’t like it so I held onto it. The one I had ready to go might have been misinterpreted with a recent death of a friend. I didn’t want to risk offending anybody. I always appreciate your gracious heart.
Dorie Wilson
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 10:23 am
nice!
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 12:34 pm
Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to hear from you!
Lisa notes
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 10:38 am
Great words of wisdom here, Floyd. You worded it all very well. I’m notorious for missing details in certain areas (like when someone has on a new shirt or rearranges a room). But that’s okay, I suppose, as long as I can be attentive to details of their heart. I lack in that area too, but I want to do better. Thanks for the encouragement!
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 12:35 pm
Thanks Lisa. You and I have more in common than I ever knew! And thanks for all of your reminders along the way.
Jay Cookingham
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 10:45 am
I have had many personal storms that our Messiah had to say those powerful, wonderful words, Peace Be Still, to. The seasoning of those times can help us discern the “storms” of others and remind them of the truth…that there is a Savior who is great in quelling stormy seas. Good words bro’!
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 12:37 pm
Thanks for sharing Jay. Well said, it is about discerning by paying attention. As much as we didn’t want to go through the storms of our lives, it certainly had a purpose. Glad you’re using yours.
Nancy
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 1:41 pm
Ha ha! Randy walked in the other day and looked at one of our walls where I had changed what was hanging there. “How long has that been there and I haven’t noticed,” he said…”Two weeks” was my laughing response. He gets all the important things though! “Warp speed world” – I enjoyed this description…I always say “microwave mentality” = same/same. Isn’t that too true. I see some of my students getting all flustered when they hear that they have a new message but are not allowed to have their phones out in class…. It is hard to have any self-restraint. They gotta have it NOW! In the midst, they really DO miss other things that lends needed quiet and stability to a life. SO Sad. I have purposed in my heart to do without a lot of things that interfere…That way I can keep my peace!
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 2:20 pm
So true! The gifts of technology, like all gifts in this world, we take for granted, then we let them over take our lives. We begin to be slaves to the things that were meant to free us. Thanks Nancy, great point.
Nancy
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 1:41 pm
Sorry, but my e-mail keeps getting changed whenever I post. This is the correct one..
Floyd
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 2:22 pm
Sometimes when you post a comment it must be from different emails addresses, because I find them in the spam file? Crazy…
Hazel Moon
Monday, April 2, 2012 @ 11:12 pm
Those calm lakes that allow reflections are so beautiful. When we look into God’s Word, the face of Jesus is reflected back into us. However we are often guilty in our judgement of others by what we “See.” Lord Help me!
Floyd
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 6:55 am
“The face of Jesus is reflected back into us.” Great picture Hazel. Help all of us, we’re all guilty of judging others… we can’t see the heart of man, only God can do that. I’m with you. Thanks Hazel.
bill (cycleguy)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 2:35 am
I am in a season of busyness. I relish the “Peace Be Still” that I know the Master is saying and will eventually bring.
Floyd
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 6:56 am
I know you are Bill. Thanks for taking the time to add a flavor only you can bring!
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 9:42 am
So right, Floyd. Discerning that people are broken is not a big spiritual feat. Pushing past it to find out God’s heart for them is what we were made for. Thank you sir.
Floyd
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 2:11 pm
Thanks Jason. You summed that up quite well…
Pat
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 10:27 am
“The river running through the heart of a mountain brings life, but it also brings wear.” Love that imagery. The visual I get is a river of “living water” running through my heart and the “wear” is coming from The Refiner’s fire.
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he came away a changed man; I’m pretty sure even his countenance was different. The more time I spend in His presence, the more of His character I will reflect. The key is exactly what you said, “Be still.” Knowing that He is God and ALL things are under His feet should be enough.
Floyd
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
Thanks Pat. It’s always wonderful to hear your input. Being still is easier said than done I’m afraid. All things are in His control. Great reminder.