Reflection

On our last camping trip, I was blessed with a quiet moment sitting by a beautiful lake.  I took pictures, watched the geese, and listened to the water flow over the dam.  It was very relaxing.  This picture shows my view.  As I sat there, God spoke to my heart.  Do you see how the trees and sky are perfectly reflected in the lake?  If it wasn’t for the raft, you may not know which was the shore and which was the reflection.  

This is what I want my life to be like, a reflection of Christ who lives inside of me.  When people see me, I want them to see the love and grace of Christ.  Yet my sinful, selfish nature tends to get in the way.  My controlling, over-organized nature will step up and want to be in front, saying “Look at me and what I have done!”  Recently, I helped a group of ladies throw a surprise birthday party for a friend.  When the event started, I found myself quietly serving in the kitchen instead of out socializing with the guests.  And I realized that this was okay.  Christ was a servant to those around Him.  He served and loved people wherever He went.  He wasn’t pointing to himself saying, “look what I’ve done!” On this day, I was able to serve and love my friend (and all the guests) in a quiet way.  I believe this was reflecting Christ who lives in me.  

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Look around your life.  Do you see ways you can reflect Christ to the world around you?  Ask Him to show you what it is He wants you to do.  And then do it.  I guarantee, when you do, you will feel closer to Him than ever before.