Reflections on reflections

I have for many years had great difficulty in trying to buy my wife Sue gifts for birthdays and Christmas which she really appreciates. It seems to become more of a struggle with each passing year. On occasions my attempts have clearly been abject failures. This year, I decided to buy Sue a subscription to the National Trust. Last week we were in (on?) Anglesey for a week's holiday, and decided to make use of our membership by visiting the National Trust properties in the area. During the week we more than paid for the year's membership!

Our favourite site was Plas Newydd house and gardens. The house is situated on the bank of the Menai Straight and has magnificent views of Snowdonia. The weather was lovely and sunny during our visit, and as well as the amazing views, it was a haven of peace and tranquility.

Another place which I had looked forward to visiting was Bodnant Garden, which covers some 80 acres. Although late August was probably not the time to see the garden at its colourful best, nevertheless we still enjoyed wandering through the various parts of the garden. I particularly enjoyed the lower part of the garden which has a stream running through. There was also a pool, with some beautiful reflections. I did take some photos (one of which is above), although photos never seem to recapture the full beauty of the actual scene!

I have always been fascinated by reflections. On a clear, still day, it can be difficult to tell from a photo which is the reality and which is the reflection. I have been thinking about how this relates to the Christian life, the life of following Jesus. God's desire for those of us who follow Jesus is that we should grow daily to be more like Jesus, and to reflect his character in our lives. How sad it is when those of us who claim to follow Jesus live lives which seem so far removed from the life of Jesus. The divided and hurting world in which we live desperately needs men and women who will reflect the Christlike life of love and compassion. As the songs says, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me"