Shirin McArthur

Declare God’s glory among the nations,
God’s marvelous works among all the peoples. —Psalm 96:3

Dear Siblings in Christ,

How do we reflect the glory of God? This question arose for me on one of my morning walks, as my eyes adored yet another gorgeous Sonoran sunrise. We frequently consider such moments to reflect the glory of God. Yet what does this really mean?

I’ve shared many stunning sunrises on social media over the years. The colors grab our attention. The fleeting beauty stops us in our tracks—or has us fumbling for our phones as we attempt to somehow capture and keep such ephemeral splendor.

Yet the clouds themselves don’t have anything to do with this—in a sense. They simply show up, moving in stately or swift fashion across the sky. Clouds have no glory of their own. They simply, profoundly, mirror the rays of the rising sun.

Clouds certainly have no power over the process. Prevailing winds dictate the pace and positioning of their passage. Atmospheric conditions cause them to shrink or swell, collect or expel their precious water. Reflecting any glory of God is a secondary charge, not inherent to their creation and calling.

And what about us? We aren’t as powerless as the clouds—in a sense. We navigate our days and lives as best we can. Yet sometimes we also are swept along in events that are not of our own making. When such storms arise, perhaps the best we can do is float on the wings of the wind.

As we are swept along the paths of our lives, we also swell or shrink, rise and fall. Sometimes, we even find ourselves in just the right spot, at just the right moment, to reflect the glory of God.

Perhaps we shine a kind word or a gentle smile upon an overworked cashier. Maybe we take a moment to bring fresh-baked bread to a neighbor recovering from surgery. On occasion, we might find ourselves sitting with a friend or fellow parishioner who needs a few minutes or a few prayers.

Through the storms of life, we can simply and profoundly mirror God’s glory. This isn’t because we inherently shine like the sun—though our every atom is a divine inheritance. Instead, we can reflect God’s glory toward the lives of those around us.

When have you recently mirrored such glory? How might you be more aware of and grateful for moments when you get to reflect the glory of God?

Peace,

—Shirin

A version of this message first appeared on my blog on September 23, 2024.