REFLECTION

Over the past few months, I have taken some on-line photography courses to help improve my publication skills for ministry. One course, in particular, dealt with the use of reflectors in natural light so as not to need a flash unit to increase light quality.

Sine the completion of that course, I have been thinking about the use and need for reflectors of God's light in the world today---reflectors that will make it possible for the neglected, hidden corners of the world to shine brightly, reflectors that will redirect the light so that it will be enhanced (not having to use something artificial in the process) with a genuine quality.

Okay, so you are wondering where all of this "philosophizing" is going??

This year especially, I have seen my daughter, Amy, exemplify the spirit of being a "reflector" in all that she does -----




----Helping others to see the great needs of the underprivileged, poor, hungry and marginalized people from Jasper (where she lives) around the world, literally.






----Being a reflector of love to her family, church and community.







----Finding ways to make an impact on the environment.




----Doing her part to stand for justice and equality wherever she is.





----Being passionate and compassionate about changing the world for the better.




So now, you know where I am going with this writing:

Tomorrow is Amy's birthday. It was a cold and snowy New Year's Eve in Columbia, Missouri, the day Amy was born. That was 33 years ago --- SO very hard to believe. She was a survivor from the first moment. She was premature and barely 5 pounds, had to stay in an incubator for 4 days, and was jaundiced, but after those 4 days, she began to flourish.

There is a bit of me in Amy -- because once she makes up her mind to do something -- there is hardly any stopping her. HA! And she does everything in "high gear". But she also has her father's personality because she is very patient, slow to anger and very compassionate for other people -- always trying to find a way to make life better for others. Maybe she just got the best of both of us--and not the other stuff. HA!

We wish you a very Happy Birthday (on this New Year's Eve), Amy!!
We love you and are so very proud to call you our daughter,

Mom & Dad