Transparency

As I was going through our pictures from this past summer, I came across this one from a hike that we took in August. I have always been fascinated by dragonflies, and was delighted when I was able to observe this one so closely. I'm drawn to the the beauty of its wings. They are so intricately designed, delicate and transparent that I can't help but marvel at how they can carry such a huge and oddly shaped body with such speed and agility. Just the beauty of this little creature alone is a testament to our amazing Creator!

Observing this dragonfly reminded me that I need to be transparent as I live my life for Christ. As we live our temporary life on earth, we encounter trials. Life sometimes leaves us bruised and hurt, and often we cope with this by putting up masks and walls to protect ourselves. If we don't surrender our hurts and hearts to the Lord and allow him to work in our lives, the mask-wearing and wall-building approach simply leaves us exhausted and broken. We have all observed people going through extreme trials. We notice when people in the depths of the darkest trials imaginable have unexplainable peace and joy. We clearly see the pain and suffering, yet their genuine response is ongoing joy and peace. The definition of transparency is: allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be easily seen. When people who love the Lord allow others to see the pain or hardship, and the process of moving through it...when they are transparent, they are allowing the world to see Christ at work in their lives. This opens up opportunities to witness and minister to others, both believers and unbelievers.

When I first discovered this dragonfly, it was sitting on a rock. Before I could get my camera out it darted over to a log. Either one is symbolic.

The dragonfly was resting on the rock and the rock could be seen through its wings.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." (Psalm 18:2-3)

The dragonfly is resting on the wood which can be a symbol of the cross, and the wood can be seen through its wings.
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Even though they are delicate, those transparent wings are incredibly strong.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Transparency in trials allows others to observe the source of our strength and the beauty of the Lord at work in our lives. When our response to pain and suffering is radically different than the world's response, it displays a compelling picture of what it means to have an active and intimate relationship with the God of all creation. People are drawn in, and He receives all the glory.