Well folks, we’ve made it to week four of Lent. What have I learned in the past three weeks? A lot. And by a lot I mean, not a lot but some things more deeply. I’ve been reminded of simple truths as I’ve returned to the foot of the cross and have been dwelling there.

I’ve been reminded to persevere in prayer; that growth happens beneath the soil and we wait for fruit. I’ve been reminded that following Jesus as simply as possible is really worth it. I’ve shed leadership ambitions and delight in programs and have resolved to quite simply love God and others. I’ve been reminded of the difference between peacemaking and peacekeeping. I’ve been reminded that confession is a good thing and to find those around us with whom we can share even the shameful, dirty parts of our hearts. I’ve been reminded that hospitality and authentic community are more important than perfectly curated homes and hearts. We still have three weeks and a bit left and I can’t wait to see what else God speaks to me.

This past Sunday, we celebrated feast day at Plum Island, near Newburyport, MA. We picnicked, photographed, and laughed as we delighted in the world around us. Sunsets on the East are interesting because as we all know, the sun rises in the East but sets in the West. While sunrise at the ocean is dynamic and majestic, sunset at the beach is more of a reflection of what the sand and sea face. If you’re looking out at the Atlantic you see a soft, peaceful mirror of the vibrancy behind you. As I edited the photos, reflecting on the beauty of softness, I thought about how we’re meant to be reflections of Christ.

In her book, In His Image, Jen Wilkin talks about how when we ask God, “What should we do?” we’re missing the point because the real question is, “Who should we be?” And the answer is clear, be like Christ. Be holy as He is holy. (1 Peter). Wilkin reminds us, “Growing in holiness means growing into being loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, truthful, patient, and wise. It means learning to think, speak, and act like Christ every hour of every day that God grants us to walk this earth as the redeemed.” I don’t know about you but I’m not great at doing those things every hour of every day or even one hour of every day. In comparison to that which I am to reflect I am a subdued, dimmed, picture of that holiness. I am not dynamic or breathtaking. But I am still beautiful. We all are. We may fail to perfectly reflect His glory and goodness but we all are still beautiful, imperfect reflections.

While Wilkin’s words encourage and challenge me to be more like Christ, I’m still reminded, that all of us, as we are, are beautiful to God. And if I can delight in the beauty of a New England sunset although significantly different than a West coast one, I can also delight in the beauty and wonder of my fellow humans, Christian or not.

We live in a world that likes us to point out our flaws — in ourselves and each other. But let’s be people who actually honor one another instead. Let us, as Jon Tyson exhorts us, “recognize the value, contribution and importance of others.” Will you join me in this? It’s hard work. It’s counter-cultural. But we were created to be so much more than average members of society. We were called to reflect our Creator. So let’s go out and do that.