photo courtesy of Kelly Sauer
When looking at clear water or glass, do you see the surface image or into the depth?
We are created to appreciate beauty. When we look no further than superficial beauty—if distortion or ugliness prevents us from looking deeper—we miss true beauty. We know this simple truth, yet how often are we too busy or distracted to look beyond what we see first?
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But one who fears the LORD shall be praised.
~ Proverbs 31:30 (author)
When facing a mirror, do you focus on yourself, what is behind, or what is ahead?
There is a time to examine the image we present and alter it as needed. There is a time to glance backwards and make ourselves aware of what affects us. But gazing long at the past or at Self provides a limited view that can only hinder us from moving forward with others.
Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
When giving a matter serious thought, what single factor most shapes your perspective?
In the movie "City Slickers," Jack Palance's character, Curly, says the secret of life is just one thing—and each person must find that one thing. What is your one thing, that first comes to mind when you are happy, sad, worried? What one thing you look at is shaping who you are?
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
Lord, as we look back on the year behind, as we look to the year ahead, please allow us to see ourselves, our circumstances, and Your Son as You do. In every reflection, may we see You.
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Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Gorgeous Anne! I truly wish this to be so in the New Year. More of Him, less of me. =)
ReplyDeleteT ~
ReplyDeleteMe too. I'm working on that dichotomy thing—content here while longing desperately for home, and being like my Lord in both.
I'm excited because I feel like I've grown in a specific area and it has allowed me to get even closer to God. It's freeing and beautiful and I pray that I continue to cling to God in the New Year.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't know why, but since I was a kid I've always seen straight down to the bottom of all bodies of water.
~ Wendy
Keeping my eyes on Him as we approach the New Year.
ReplyDeletea lot of questions to ponder. forgetting the past can be a hurdle sometimes if you find yourself listening to the wrong voice. like Wendy, i always look at at the depths however terrifying it may be. i'm a lousy swimmer...
ReplyDeleteWendy ~
ReplyDeleteI might have guessed an enquiring mind like yours looks deep. (But I'll confess that if I was at your side, I'd be inclined to look at your lovely reflection. :D)
Susan ~
ReplyDeleteYour photography always reflects your ability to see beyond the obvious to His hand. I'm privileged to be among those with whom you share it. May God bless your eyes!
Bud ~
ReplyDeleteYou make me laugh. As for forgetting the past, I don't think we need to forget it as much as we need to learn how to choose not remembering it—or when to remember it. A good time is when we're applying Scripture, and learning from the past. (Plenty we do there, eh?)
The very best time to remember the past is when we can give God glory for what He's done there, with our testimony. : )
Wow, our posts on 'reflection' kind of go hand in hand. Love this, Anne. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI like the thought "One Thing" for one thing that I desire for this coming year is to be an instrument for His use! Great Post Anne
ReplyDeleteJason ~
ReplyDeleteIt's always a blessing to sense the Lord confirm something through what someone else says. May He guide your words always, and use you to bless others. You're a blessing to me.
Hazel Moon ~
ReplyDeleteWhen you make joyful noise, you surely are used by the Lord. You are not only His instrument, you are a musical one! :D
Seeing deep. You know I'm dancing here, right?
ReplyDeleteAnd Kelly's photo is spectacular!
Snady ~
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I detected in the western breeze the lilt of your dance. : ) And Kelly's photo is indeed a dazzle.