The Work of Reflection

What does it mean to have a reflective soul?
(Go ahead, think for a moment and quietly answer it in your mind).

I have a digital SLR camera which I love more than chocolate. The lens, where it attaches to the camera, is small and sensitive. The other end of the lens has a filter protecting the delicate rounded glass. Many fancy filters are available that can be used for creative shots, such as a star filter, colored filters or a polarizer. These all affect the way light is captured for a particular artistic effect.

When you look through the eye piece of the camera, you see the world through a series of glass disks. With just a little pressure on the shutter button, the image comes into focus. When you're ready, snap the shot. As you do so light enters the lens, reflects off the mirror and lands on a sensor that in turn creates the image of your desire. You hope for the best. So you upload your pictures to your computer and anxiously wait to see if it has the beauty you tried to capture. Sometimes you are amazed at your nearly professional ability to create fantastic shots. Other times you can't hit the "delete" button fast enough, forever erasing that horrible image.

I see this same scenario in my life. My eyes capture a "scene" and in seconds it passes through my "filter" of beliefs, moods, hormones. Then it enters my soul and reflection begins. An "image" forms. Sometimes it's positive, other times it's one that I never wish existed.

Seeing, thinking and processing life's scenes is living out of a reflective soul. We don't let the moment pass without deep consideration and asking for God's wisdom in the midst of it. Through the Holy Spirit's guidance and the experience of our individual lives, we reflect more than what the human eye can see. We take in and then we project an "image" through our perspective which is unique and interesting. Doing this through the art of writing allows others to see the "image" also. From that, they start the process over again with their set of filters and lenses leading to their own active reflective soul.

We can't help but read someones writing or absorb a painting only to be lead on a journey into the interior of our soul. God longs to meet us in an intimate way and He often uses forms of artistic work to do so. Take time and sit with a "scene" - how can you express the reflection of your soul so that others can experience it as well?

God speaks to us through our work of reflection and He speaks to us through other's work of reflection. How awesome is that...

Read vs. Write

It's a struggle for me. I go into Borders for one thing - a new journal. I had a 20% off coupon for one item marked regular price. (Love the Border's Reward Card). I purposefully walk directly to the journal section, making sure my head does not bob left or right to see what else I could buy. I made it safely to the correct shelf without any "side trips". Trying something different I purchased a blue and green fabric journal, one with no lines on the pages so that when a creative image comes to mind - I can sketch it out. I do good - carry my journal, Borders Rewards Card, coupon and my check book towards the front of the store. Then it happens. It always happens!!! Quick, like someone has commandeered my body and I no longer had control, I saw the "reference" section becoming closer and closer until I was standing right in front of the darn shelf gazing up at the multitude of beautifully bounded paper.

Books on writing and the creative process. I added SIX more to my collection. Why does this happen to me? I reasoned with my self that these are books that have been on my book list for some time so while I'm here in the store already why not just pick them up! Buy them now, save gas. I am ridiculous.

How many books can one person read on the topic of writing anyhow. Don't they all says the same thing? Doesn't it just all boil down to just doing it - pick up the pen and allow it to meet with the paper. Funny how that is so hard to do sometimes. It's so much easier to write a check for books ON writing rather than getting to the hard work OF writing.

So, I have some great books in my writing library that demand my attention. Do I read them or sit down and actually write? I know what the answer is. I just don't know what I'm afraid of. I must read but I also must write. I can fill my head with the amazing content of every person's cool book on "the art of writing" but if I never make the time to practice writing, what good is all the reading?

Hum...

Now to fess up. I came upstairs about 30 minutes ago to read some of these new books. Then felt God say "Woman! Take courage and just write." That's when I put down the book, powered up my laptop and decided to write about how pathetic I am about not writing. I'm nuts, I know.
~deAnn

The Gifts You Give

I'm amazed at the wonderful pieces of writing that the member bloggers have created. It's a true sharing of your souls and hearts. Thank you for your posts! I enjoy them every time and get to know each of you through your words and experiences with God.

If you haven't had much time to check in on each other's blogs, please try to - it's a gift!!! I've had God speak to me on several occasions through your posts. Thank you!

The links to the Member's Blogs is to the left of this post and about half way down the page. ENJOY!

~deAnn