Mountain Reflections: Is Your Life A Reflection Of Jesus?
Is your Christian walk a reflection of Jesus Christ? Tandy shares her thoughts on forgiveness, reclamation, and transformation. Contact us now if you have questions about faith.
A Mountain Getaway
My husband and I had gone through a busy period and needed some time to rest and reflect. We decided a few days in the mountains were just the break we needed. It was evening when we checked into a small one bedroom suite. In the darkness the view surrounding us was obscured.
We opened the blinds the next morning to a spectacular mountain vista. The sun was shining and the temperature mild as we headed outside to explore a few nearby trails. We had no clear idea of where we were going but knew that we wanted to make the most of our time in this majestic setting.
After a bit of wandering we found a directional sign which pointed to a series of trails. None of these seemed like paths we wanted to take so we continued on. The next sign we came to showed a small lake only one kilometer away. Enthusiastically I said, “Let’s take this one!”
A Beautiful Reflection
What we discovered was a hidden jewel. The water was crystal clear and smooth as glass. The jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains were reflected back to us in the water. Towering evergreens and fluffy white clouds were also shown in this mirror image. The beauty of the scene before me flooded my heart and soul with peace and gratitude.
We were gazing at Quarry Lake. The information I read on the signboard was intriguing. It seems this lake had once been the site of a coal mine. When the mines in the area were no longer in use, the mining company chose to reclaim them. The task of reclaiming Canmore Creek Number 3 Surface mine was given to their chief engineer.
This man didn’t want to just backfill the mine with surface rock and level it off. Instead, this avid fly fisherman envisioned a fishing hole. With the blessing of the mining company he moved ahead with this vision. The 120-foot- deep pit was backfilled to a depth of 80 feet. Deep and shallow areas were included to create a habitat for fish, insects and plants. Then it was sealed with a clay plug to allow the water to rise to its present level.
Reeds and other local vegetation have naturally taken hold along the lake shore. These plants form a habitat for insects and a cover for ducks, loons and great herons. The reclaimed land has also become a spot for swimming, fishing and picnicking. Once an eyesore, this was now an area of much value to wildlife, local residents and visitors.
Another Kind Of Reflection
This story was fascinating to me because a former black pit created by men had been restored to the glory God intended.
After walking around the perimeter and taking many pictures I sat on a bench enjoying the reflection on the lake. As I did, another kind of reflection was forming in my mind. My life had also been reclaimed. The day I asked Jesus into my heart the process began. I confessed the dark, ugly stains of my sin. I had done nothing terrible but unforgiveness, pettiness, gossip and selfishness had kept me distanced from God.
The words of Psalm 32:5 express this so clearly. “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, I will confess my rebellion to the Lord. And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” The words of Isaiah 1:18 seemed perfect for this example of reclamation. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says The Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” The analogy of turning a black pit into a beautiful lake that reflects the glory of God’s creation seemed very fitting in this context.
Our Lives As A Reflection Of Jesus
The theme of forgiveness and reclamation to a life with God continues in other verses. Some of my favourites are found in the New Testament. In 1 John 1:9 I read: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Luke 24:47 says “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” Ephesians 1:7 reads: “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.”
I have felt the sacrificial love of Christ cleansing my heart and mind. Ephesians 2:13 says: “But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.”
He’s not finished with me yet. I am a work in progress. The refining will not be complete until my life is a true reflection of Jesus.
Tandy Balson is a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, volunteer and observer of life. Her greatest joys include spending time with family and friends, enjoying time in nature, reading and writing. She also gives a good foot rub. There’s a long line for this but you’re welcome to join it!
Tandy has been doing inspirational speaking in Western Canada since 2001. She is the author of two books, one of which was a finalist for The 2016 Word Awards in the inspirational/devotional book category. Tandy posts inspirational messages twice a week on her website blog. Find more information at www.timewithtandy.com
Tandy’s show, “Time With Tandy” airs on HopeStreamRadio. In her program she reflects on spiritual lessons from her observations of life, to encourage and strengthen us in our faith.
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Images courtesy of:
Amazing- Bessi
Mountain- Pexels
Beach- Pexels
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