Scripture
2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord,” (NKJV).
Observation
My husband and I recently helped our son move into his college dorm at Baylor University, in Waco, Texas. We unpacked boxes and moved furniture around in his tiny room, in anticipation of a challenging and exciting year ahead. Within a few hours, Welcome Week began, and he went off to enjoy the activities with his new-found friends. My husband and I thought we’d try to have a meal together, just the two of us, at a famous TV couple’s restaurant in Waco, known as the “Magnolia Table,” owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines. I know it may seem hard to believe, but I have to admit to never actually having seen the show or read the books, but my mother is a big fan, and I’ve heard all about it. Because of its popularity, we arrived at the restaurant around 8:15 a.m. in the morning, and prepared to wait.
Application
From the moment we walked in, the sense of hospitality was instant, warm and relaxed; the beauty of the restaurant was immediately evident, and later, we were to discover that the food (and coffee) were equally delicious. The longer I enjoyed their restaurant, the deeper my understanding, and the greater my sense of the founders’ identity. Their lovely restaurant beautifully reflected what I suspect are lovely people, having “met” them through their “creation.”
Reflection
The thought occurred to me that as believers in Christ Jesus, we are able to radiate and reflect the “glory,” or beauty of the Lord, both in big and small ways, with the help of the Holy Spirit within us (Romans 8:9). As we do, the people around us can begin to have a sense of meeting the Father, as they interact with us, His children and creation, in daily life. We can show them what He is like, and who He is willing to be to them, individually.
My hope for myself, and for you, my sisters, is that we will shine brightly and be a beautiful reflection of our Father, who is in heaven, and be filled with His Spirit (Eph. 5:18), the Spirit of Jesus Christ, so that others will meet Him through us. Blessings!
Prayer
“Dear Father, we want to resemble You in every part of life—our words, our attitudes, our actions. May the love that I share with the people around me be a reflection of Your love, and may they see You when they look at me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Article Written by: Jennifer Harper
