Word For The Year

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

In the wee hours of the morning, God gave me the word for the year. It is "Sight". Sight from His perspective, the way He sees things through his eyes. Not to continue to see things from the perspective of:

*past experience

*temporal

*superficial

*personal - Ex: someone unexpectedly projects anger for no apparent reason,then we instinctively become self-defensive and demandingly question their unreasonable behavior toward us. Most often it is an internal issue for them, having little or nothing to do with us.

Shortly after receiving the word for the year, a beautiful lesson arrived. Nature speaks to me in incredible and deep ways. This particular morning the moon was giant, full and vibrant. Usually, there is only the opportunity to see it as I'm leaving for my morning school bus route. This time, it was still above the horizon on the return route to town.

As I watched, clouds randomly floated in front of the moon. At one point, there was a view never experienced before. A cloud crossing the lower half of the huge moon caused a distorted view. The moon looked as if it were changing shape, appearing to look like an egg. My mind told me the moon cannot change shape, yet my eyes saw that taking place. It caught my thoughts.

God reminded me of the beautiful morning we spent together a few weeks prior. At the riverbank, the water was glassy and the refelction of the opposite bank was so perfect it was nearly impossible to discern where the bank actually ended and the water began.

Then our conversation went to every day life. I know the cloud or ripple in front of the view (moon or river bank) cannot change the true shape. Yet, it stopped me and there was hesitation, making me for a brief moment focus on the distortion. Our problems and difficulties are like the cloud across the moon. There is a situation that interrupts our focus, and because we see that "storm cloud", it becomes the main focus. We begin to doubt, question, become fearful. Then He has to take the time to bring us around to focus on Him. He reminded me that just as the cloud passed before the moon, distorting it's true shape, our problems are also just passing by. Like the ripples across the water, that force stills and the water is again glassy, smooth, a peaceful reflection.

So, what will we do with this in regard to reflection?

*Do we let the challenges floating across the view distort the focus on God?

*We are His reflection, made in His image. Does our behavior or speech cause a cloudy or wavy reflection of Him?

*Does living out our faith which brings peace even in the midst of problems reveal a smooth, glassy surface that reflects Him to others? Do they see Him or me?

Be Inspired. Be Inspiring.