Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)

The sky looked like the inside of a brilliant, blue bowl turned upside down. There wasn’t a single wisp of a cloud to mar its perfection.

As I walked along The Trail that morning, I happened to look down, and I was thrilled to see thousands of tiny sparkling “diamonds” on the backs of the fallen leaves. The sun was reflected in the tiny dew drops in perfectly symmetrical patterns.

A few leaves floated gently down from the trees, settling silently alongside those already lying on the path. The only sound was the single squawk of a lone blue jay, which sailed out of sight up into the glorious blue.

Amid the beauty, I felt that I was almost holding my breath, and the sensation that I was walking on holy ground gripped me. I raised my arms to heaven in worship of my King, and gave thanks for His presence and His wondrous touch on everything.

Finally, I turned around and headed back down The Trail towards my home.

It was then that I noticed that there were very few sparkling drops on the backs of the leaves in front of my feet. Why was that? I wondered. Surely the dew couldn’t have dried up so quickly. Then it dawned on me; the answer to the mystery was revealed. I was no longer walking toward the sun, and its rays were not reflected in the droplets at this different angle.

As I pondered the wonder of nature, an amazing thought took shape in my mind.

We, too, as believers, must walk toward the Son if we desire to have our lives reflect His glory. As we keep our eyes on Jesus and obey His will, our lives will reflect Him, just as the droplets reflected the rays of the sun. What a thrilling thought! However, the reverse is also true. If we turn our backs on Him, His glory will be greatly diminished, if not be totally lacking in our lives.

How I praise God for this reminder, and I am even more determined than ever to follow Him more closely so that my life will be a reflection of the wonder of my God and King.

Prayer: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth. You are the magnificent Creator of heaven and earth and sky. Help us to hear Your slightest whisper when it comes to teaching us how to glorify You. Father, it is our hearts’ deepest desire to honour and praise You with our lives. We bring these requests to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sharon Greer Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada