Crystal Reflections

I have always been drawn to the reflections of the light in cut crystal and love to see the sparkle of it under bright lights. Normally I am not interested in colored crystal, but this vase caught and held my attention. I went back to it several times in the 20 or so minutes we were in the little shop, and while it cost way more money than I had intended to spend on a souvenir from my trip, my husband kindly purchased it for me as an early anniversary gift.

When I brought the vase home, it took me a while to decide where to put it so I could look at it often. It didn't really fit with any of the rest of my collection: it was like a peacock in a dove cote. For a while it settled on a cedar chest in front of a large window. The light from the window made the colors come alive. When the sunshine hit the glass, it became almost too bright to look at, and the rainbow patterns were reflected all over the room.

I was thinking about that colored vase and how my life is similar. When I allow the light of Christ's love to shine through me, the beauty of all the facets He created in me comes through and reflects His love on those around me.

It is my choice as to how brightly I allow His light to shine. He is always present and always desiring to beam His love to any and all, but just as the old children's song reminds us, we don't want to hide that light under a bushel. I can choose to be less than friendly or refuse fellowship with others.  Likewise, if I continually have a cloud of misery hovering in my mind the light will be muddied and fail to reflect His love.

As you go through your day, I encourage you to remember that your life is a reflection of what is inside you.  Your thoughts are broadcast through your body language, your facial expressions and your words.  As you draw nearer to the source of light, more will shine through you and color with warmth all those around.