What does it mean to Reflect?

I was shopping with my wife awhile back and I brought my purchases to the counter while she was still looking around. I noticed that the clerk was not in the best mood so I thought "I'll give her a wide berth - maintain my distance and be careful not to stir up any trouble."

As I was paying my wife joined me at the register. She too noticed the woman ringing up our purchases. But her approach was quite different. "What a pretty blouse! That color looks so good on you!" It was an honest compliment. She wasn't making it up. But the response was amazing. It was like a switch went on and her face just lit up.

"Oh Thank you! I found this just the other day and it's my new favorite."

Off they went into friendly conversation. And the woman's whole mood was changed. Why couldn't I do that? Was it because I was just playing it safe? Do I care more about myself than others? Probably. Maybe I just need to change the way I think.

I was doing some "reflecting on reflecting" this morning and I realized that my focus is often on how others are perceiving me. My wife, who doesn't think at all the way I do, focuses on what kind of person she needs to be and how to have a good attitude. Knowing that "Christ in you is the hope of glory" we are to reflect His affirmation and encouragement, acting in a way that affirms and encourages.

This good reflection that shines forth is what Scripture calls "glory." Paul tells us that we "have no veils on our faces, but reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord." This glory is grace and truth - the same glory that came into the world through Jesus. (John 1:14)

I'm challenged to change my thinking, and I'd like to offer some helpful questions:

• Do I care more about who I am, or who people think I am?

• Am I protecting myself, or letting Christ's influence shine through me?

• Do I need to reflect more on what God has done in me and for me and be thankful?

I want to reflect my Heavenly Father and show forth "Christ in me, the hope of glory!"