One Word At A Time: Reflection
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Ginny (MAD21)
Nothing is usually ever as it appears. We may be lucky enough every now and then to have something be genuinely what we see before us, but it is unlikely to be 100% face value.
I once had someone tell me there are four different ways that we are seen:
Things only God sees in us;
Things only we see in ourselves;
Things only other see in us; and
Things everyone sees.
Only God. He knows it all. What's the "it?" Everything, that's what. The beginning, the end, and everything in between. He knows us and our children, and our children's children. He knows all the choices we have made and will make, and what choices others will make that will affect our lives forever. He knows what he wants us to become, and who we will choose to be.
Only Us. Outside of God, we are the only ones who have been with us since the beginning. We were the only ones who experienced all of the joys and sorrows in our lives. There are things we know about ourselves that no one else knows, emotions we feel that others may not know or understand. Thoughts, feelings and opinions we may feel regarding everything that we choose to let others know about, or not.
Only Others. One of the reasons I believe God created community, is that there are always things that we don't see in ourselves... good and bad things. Anytime I have a major decision in my life, I always talk to God first, but after that I always talk to those closest to me. Those who I feel know me the best. For example, I have always advised the young people in my life to ask the advice of their family and best friends regarding boyfriends, girlfriends or spouses. Those closest to them may be able to see some warning signs that love or attraction may have kept from sight. It may be the most important thing you can do before making major decisions; the one thing that might help keep you from disaster.
Everyone. This one is rather obvious. These are the things about us that are just 'out there' for the world to see. Things we can't hide about ourselves. It's who we are be it introverted, extraverted, or a little insane.
Each one of these perspectives offer a different reflection. They give us a glimpse into what is going on around us, and who we are. I think when we are seeking God's will for our lives we should meditate on each of these perspectives. We will never become whole in this life, but if we look at the right reflections, we can possibly get a little be closer than we were yesterday.
"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a 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." (1 Corinthians 13:12)
This post is a participant in a blog carnival over at Peter Pollock's place.
Be sure to go and check out what everyone else wrote on: Reflection.
Reader Comments (5)
What a great breakdown. Love how you presented this, Ginny. Thanks.
Great thoughts, Ginny.
So very true that there are at least four ways we are viewed. Others, ourselves, and things everyone sees, may not be the true reflection of our selves. Only God holds that truth. We may view ourself as a Sinner Saved by Grace, but God sees us as a Saint saived by Grace. The world may view us as a nice person, or a mean person depending on who it is, but God sees us as Blood washed and beautiful in His sight. We are often too hard on ourselves and think we are not worthy of His love, but reflecting back to the cross and the empty tomb, I understand that HE has made me worthy and that I am loved by him. May you be blessed in your ministry during the New Year of 2011.
Good food for thought, Ginny. I can definitely relate to your "Only Others" description. I used to never want to ask for anyone's help...not because I was too prideful, but because I didn't want to bother them. I know better nowadays, and receiving the wisdom from others has saved me the pain of many dead-end decisions. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Jason and Helen.
Hazel, I agree. It is hard to see ourselves as God sees us. We need to work on a better balance so that we know we still need to work on growing but not be so hard on ourselves thinking we'll never be good enough. And thanks, I do feel very blessed by this ministry, mostly because of the community that is here. Thanks so much for your thoughts and comments.
Brock, I'm right there with you. I have a really hard time asking for help. I've always been very independent and don't like bothering others either. But like you, I have learned that especially with big decisions, it is always best to seek out advice. Thanks for stopping by!