It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky.” Psalm 89:37 (NIV)
Today, Danielle (see her blog at left) has a post entitled “In Other Words: Who Are You Reflecting?” It links back to another blog (http://inkitblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/welcome-to-in-other-words-thanks-for.html) inviting people to write about the following quote by Edith Wharton: “There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” That quote reminded me of a recent early morning when I went out to feed the horses. As the days are getting shorter, I now stumble out of the house in the dark. Even though it is the same time of day as always, it is harder to get out there because I cannot see the path from the house to the barn anymore. I suppose I could take a flashlight, but in my house, flashlights disappear in the night. Someday, if we ever move, I expect to find a huge pile of flashlights all huddled together in a corner somewhere piled up like a snowdrift in winter. Our back door faces west and a few weeks ago, as I stepped outside a rosy glow greeted my bleary eyes. After a night of keeping watch, the full moon was just settling down for its rest and in one last effort, brightly lit the morning sky. Mixed in with a variety of pinks were streaks of blue and violet clouds. I stopped before stepping off the porch and stared at the beauty until the horses started squealing about the delay. I went through my morning ritual of herding horses into their stalls and dumping grain and hay into buckets, but my mind was not on my work. I stayed focused on the moon’s brilliance even as it sank lower into the west. I wanted to stay there forever soaking in the scene, but my real job called, so I reluctantly turned to go back to the house. While walking, I had to squint as I faced the east. The colors were amplified and even more striking as the sun emerged through the trees treating me to blast of light. It was an even better show than the one provided by the moon. Then, I thought about how the moon has no light of its own. It simply reflects the light of the sun. The moon’s display I first found so attracting paled in comparison when I saw the true source of the light. As I go through my life, people watch my actions. They think I am so kind and compassionate. Such a good Christian. A wise, godly woman. Yet, many times, I fail them by my inattention, selfishness or judgmental attitude. In the instances that they do applaud my successes, I would be remiss if I let them think that it is me they should admire. My job, like the moon’s, is simply to be a witness to the One True Light. I pray that they are not content to dwell upon my meager efforts, but instead want to be the mirror that points them towards God.
That’s a beautiful illustration.
Kindest Thoughts,
-esthermay
Amen, well said.
You’re right…just as the moon is nothing to be seen without the sun and we are nothing to be seen without the Son. Yet, when we reflect his light we are radiant!
Thank you so much for this neat parallel. I enjoyed reading your thoughts very much.
Lynnette 🙂
I have lived in rural areas most of my life and enjoy the quiet of the predawn day. I’m sure my daughter in law could relate to your illustration too because she has to go out in the early am to feed her horses too.
Thanks for sharing so beautifully today.
Bonnie
I love descriptive lessons. You walked me through your morning routine so well that I could see the pile of flashlights (we have those disappearing items as well), the glow of the setting moon, hear the horses, and feel the warmth of the rising sun.
I will remember your illustration because you gave me a picture that I can call to mind when I need reminding to reflect the “One True Light.”
Thank you for sharing.
Typing One-Handed
WOW. I really enjoyed reading your ‘words’ on this quote. I also had to giggle when you talked about taking care of your horses. Since Sam has started taking these lessons it is much more than riding. It is caring for them, feeding them, etc. Just yesterday I walked into the barn where she is taking the lessons and she had a huge shovel and was shoveling ‘you know what’. I’m glad you participated in this. This meme started out at Christian Women Online and I used to participate every Tuesday (on my very first blog three years ago). When they stopped doing it and a CWO member took it on, I lost track of it. I love doing it so I have bookmarked the originator’s blog.
P.S. Thanks for the shout out (grin).