Reflections

Cymbidiums on a dark-stained table

Reflection is the soft image that is bounced back from a shiny surface. The reflection is usually seen on the side of the object that is exposed to the light. Unlike a shadow which is seen on the the darker side of the object. Reflections show details such as color and depth.  Shadows on the other hand, show a silhouette - it does not inform as well as a reflection mainly because of direction of insufficient light.

The Tower Bridge over the Sacramento River

There is another form of reflection which happens in the depths of our thoughts. The kind of reflection when we try to bring the past one more time into our minds -- usually with the intention to see things we failed to notice and to emphasize the obvious - in order to broaden that experience through things we see anew from different angles and perspectives.

During this last couple of weeks, in anticipation of our wedding anniversary, Tim and I have been reflecting on our marriage and life in general.  From our retrievable memory and between the two of us, we see God's hands at work throughout our lives - even way before we met each other.  He was always there guiding us, prodding us, protecting us, and stopping us when necessary to bring us to where we are right now.  Like the reflected image of the Tower bridge, it is not sharp but all the evidences are there and it is easily recognizable.  Tim and I have a high-definition image of God in our marriage.  Sometimes the waters are rough and the reflections look blurry and distorted shadows. But when we make it a habit to keep still, observe, and to be aware of our position against the Light, we can establish the image that defies seasons and motions in our minds. And through faith, we
know that He's always there; that we are not alone even when the sky is gray and the water is murky.

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will
give you insight into all this." 2 Timothy 2:7

Shorebirds on the rice fields (Dewitt Farms)

Still there is a third kind of reflection that is more active in nature than the ones mentioned earlier.  It is the kind that we exude as a result of what goes on within us.  We portray things we believe through our actions.  This might be considered more difficult because we are physically involved in the making of that reflection.  But then again, it is an expression of freedom in itself.  This is the reflection that tells the world who we are.  It announces what are we passionate about.  It is like looking at your friends on Facebook - you get an inkling of what constitute their thoughts and consumes their time and resources based on what they put on their timeline.  What is that soft image that the world see of you? 

"As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart."   

Proverbs 27:19