Mirror, Mirror

In looking at my photographs or reading what I’ve written, it is probably apparent that I enjoy taking pictures of various types of reflections. Some water surfaces give a distorted view of what is beyond them:

Reflection in Davidson River - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Reflection in Upper Pond - Palmetto Trail, Blue Wall Preserve, South Carolina

Reflection in Looking Glass Creek - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Abstract images, such as the ones above, can be creative and artistic. But it would be a mistake to consider them as accurately portraying nature as my eyes see it.
 
On the other hand, there are bodies of water whose serene surfaces accurately convey creation’s colors and splendor:

Emerald Lake - Yoho National Park, British Columbia

Reddish Egret - Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Late-day clouds - Oxbow Bend Turnout, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

But more important than seeing reflections of nature is being aware of and paying attention to my own reflection. James, early church leader and the half-brother of Jesus, had this to say about the importance of being self-aware:

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says
is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
and, after looking at himself, goes away
and immediately forgets what he looks like.
– James 1:23-24 (NIV)

Jesus had an encounter with a person who wanted to know how close he was to deserving eternal life. Jesus, as he often did, turned the question back to the man. “How do you see yourself?” This guy, well-to-do and well-known in the community, glanced at the mirror in his mind, stood a little taller, and responded, “I’ve not had sex outside of marriage. I’ve not murdered anyone. I’ve never stolen anything. I’ve not lied. I’ve honored my dad and mom. And, I’ve done all these things as far back as I can recall.” Jesus paused for a moment, looked off into the distance, and then turned his gaze back to the man. “Here’s what you need to do. Liquidate all your assets. Then, go and distribute the proceeds to folks who go hungry every day, people who don’t have enough clothes to wear, and families who live in sub-standard housing. When you’ve finished that, you will have transferred your treasure to heaven. Then you can come go down the road with me.” The man’s shoulders slumped as he turned and walked away, checking to make sure he still had all of his gold rings on his fingers. (My paraphrase of and elaboration on Luke 18:18-23.)
 
In evaluating my reflection, rather than using an image distorted with my own perspective (or someone else’s), it is important that I view it in God’s mirror.