The sunrise was spectacular, but the reflection was also stunning. And I sensed Jesus reminding me that like the reflection on the water that is clearly not actually the sun, we can never be the Son, but we are called to reflect His love and grace and light to this world…and that when we do it’s beautiful.
That same day Jesus showed me so many examples of His light being reflected:
The gentleman in the hot pink swim trunks dotted with blue alligators rushing to help the table full of gasping women as the umbrella from their pool-side table upended with a gust of wind.
“I grow them to share them,” the owner of Delisheeyo said while picking two ripe tomatoes from a vine lining the entrance to his restaurant and handing them to us.
The dad gingerly lifting his daughter from her wheelchair as if she was the most precious thing in the world (because to him she was) and gently easing her into the pool, carefully holding her and keeping her head above water so she could “swim” with him.
My own husband setting up a special spot—just for me—a beach chair and umbrella, the book I was reading, and a Gatorade at the ending point of my run. I hadn’t asked for it. I wasn’t expecting it. But I felt so loved and cared for.
It struck me that none of these people set out to do anything spectacular . They were just being themselves in the spaces and places where God put them—at the pool, at their place of work, with their families.
The Lord equipped them to do exactly what needed to be done to reflect His glorious light, and then they obediently stepped into His invitation. It was radiant.
Each day Jesus will do the same for us. Maybe we’ll be right next to the table where an umbrella goes rogue or walking into our office or gathering with our own families or friends. Perhaps we’ll be at the grocery or an appointment or commuting. But Jesus will give us abilities and resources and gifts—whether that’s time or strong arms or a tomato—and call us to use them to love one another, to reflect His love.
All these occurrences were also such beautiful reminders of how Jesus loves us. When He sees us in distress, He rushes to our rescue. Sometimes He gives us a treat and shares from His abundance, simply because He loves us and loves to delight us. And He always treats us gingerly and lovingly, as if we were the most precious humans in the world, because to Him, we are.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. (John 13:34)
We’re called to reflect the light and love that Jesus showers on us back to the world. Together, we CAN make this world a better place. This is your nudge to notice those reflecting Christ’s light to the world around you this week AND to reflect His love wherever you are.
Praying for you.
xo, Laura
P.S. If you missed my chat with Kelly Minter about how we can love one another like Jesus loved us you can listen HERE on Apple podcasts or watch HERE on YouTube.
Kelly’s wisdom and personal stories will inspire you to step forward in faith, trust God’s timing, and embrace the blessings of reflecting Christ’s light to others. If you’ve been wondering how you can make a difference right where you are, this episode is your invitation to say yes and watch God move!
I love the examples of little graces. How beautiful!!