REFLECTING LIFE

Reflecting Life

Life amazes me. Perhaps that’s why I love to reflect on life. My tagline reflecting life was intentional. My blog name was intentional. If you haven’t skimmed through my About page, here’s a recap…

Robin, which is German for bright and shining. I love that my name is reflective, calling me to let my light shine for His glory! I’ve also read that people with my name possess a deep inner desire for a loving community and a need to work with others. Yep, that would be me! If I had to sum up my mission, the force that propels me, it would be this: creating a loving community where women are free to let their lights shine.

Reflection, A Favorite Pastime

Reflecting life is a favorite pastime. Yes, it is a pastime, an activity that allows me to see where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and where I am at the moment. It’s not always fun and exciting. Have you ever reflected on your current situation and thought, “how’d I get here?” or “is this really happening?”

If you’ve ever spent time with me, you’d know that at some point in our dialogue, I will encourage you to spend time in reflection, quiet reflection meditating on God’s word or journaling your thoughts. Reflection is healing, rewarding, and painful (pain is in the healing). Click To Tweet

Reflection is Healing

Reflecting on our past brings healing, healing brings acceptance and freedom. I for one pray I’ve learned from my mistakes and poor choices. My past is a speckled map of various colors representing the many places I’ve journeyed. Destinations discovered when I lost my way due to my stubbornness, unforgiveness, or anger as well as places I discovered when I’d find my way back to God.

The most enjoyable journeys were the passages where I placed my faith in God and He showed me the way. The most difficult journeys were the times I forged ahead taking matters into my own hands. My growth includes learning from my mistakes, past and present. I’m proud to share that I’ve grown through my experiences – the good, the bad, and the ugly! And, I’m encouraging you to take time to reflect on your journey.

Let the healing begin.

“Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.” James 5:13-15 (MSG)

Reflection is Rewarding

Reflecting on our journey is rewarding. Looking back on my journey, it’s rewarding to see how far I’ve come. In my late teens and early twenties, I never fathomed what the future would bring, and I certainly did not think as far as a week ahead. I was rather immature and self-serving as a young adult (and I use the word adult loosely), my rebellion hid my insecurity and fear.

As my faith grew, God opened doors for me, which led to a bounty of blessings. I’m blessed with an amazing and kind husband and three remarkable sons. God also provided me with a beautiful career, a doctorate, travel, speaking, writing, and most of all precious friendships. All this for a young girl who never felt valued and thought she had nothing to offer. Oh, how He loves me.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; restore within me a sense of being brand new.” Psalm 51:10-12 (The Voice)

Reflection is Painful

Reflection is painful. Our past may reveal hurt and pain but when we face the pain our healing begins. It is a process and you must be patient in the process. It may take years to peel back the layers of hurt and address each layer but rest assured God will be with you. My development has taken years (I’m most likely a bit older than you). I’m not sure why it took me so long to reflect on my pain. It could be due to the fact that it’s so unpleasant to open the wounds. Opening wounds from years past can be excruciating. Perhaps it’s because I kept the pain packed away tightly and used my family and career to stay busy. Busyness is a great tool for avoidance. “I’m too busy God. I’ll work on it later. I have tasks to do and projects to complete!” Anything to avoid unpacking the pain and hurt from the past. Fortunately, our God is a patient God and He will never force us. God prunes us and grooms us as we develop and mature at our own pace. He prepares us and it is our choice (and timing) to accept and trust in Him.

God gives us the freedom to choose and I hope you choose wisely.

“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalm 91:2 (NLT)

Remember, you will never overcome what you do not confront. Reflection allows you to bring into the light any darkness that you may have hidden. Ask God to search your heart today and reflect on His words. Let your light shine!

Image Credit ParinazWadiaDesign