Astronomy

I noticed the most amazing thing tonight! For the first time ever, when looking at a full moon I didn't see moonlight - I saw sunlight. It just made me shiver in wonder to think that the sunlight is powerful enough to make an object that has absolutely no light of its' own look as though it is illuminating the world (and the snow on the mountains - WOW!) below.
Having noticed this phenomena, I started wondering what change in my perception allowed me to see with my eyes something I have known ever since I learned about the moon. I figured out that my brain picked up, this time, on the fact that my eyes can see the features - flaws, if you will - on the moon, and that this would not be possible if it were giving forth it's own light.
I must say that the full moon on a clear night reflecting light with such perfect whiteness and clarity is probably one of the most beautiful sights it has been my privilege to behold.
I also have to say that it is amazing what happens to our perceptions when we open our eyes and our minds to let our brains see what is really there, instead of just seeing what we have always seen before and taking it for granted. I've had lots of these eye openers lately, but this is the first example that exists outside of m mind. Meaning it's the first time I can demonstrate that it is my perception and not reality that has changed.

Finally, the most precious thought is about the homophones "sun" and "Son." How selfless do you have to be to let your glory shine on an imperfect being and make it appear glorious in and of itself? And how hard is it to reflect that glory when it clearly defines and reveals every flaw on the reflector? Is it not amazing how the glory of the Son creates so much beauty in those who reflect his love, all the while revealing every flaw and imperfection we have to those who watch us?
It makes me realize once again what pride is, for it is pride that makes us wish to cover our sins and imperfections. Satan wants us to believe that we can only cover our sins and hide our imperfections by staying out of the light; by not reflecting the glory of God and the love of his Son. How sad that people fall prey to such deception and choose to live in darkness rather than enjoying the peace that comes from knowing that even our weakness is beautiful when viewed as part of the Great Plan of Happiness in the light of the Savior's love.

Truly, life is beautiful to those who work at it. I know that I have been humbled as I have learned to see how the flaws I have do not lessened the beauty of the light I am trying to reflect.