Kaleidoscope

Tidying up recently, I came across an old kaleidoscope. It’s a fun and simple little thing, with mirrors reflecting some pieces of different coloured glass to show in ever-changing patterns as the tube is twisted.

After spending some time letting my scattered brain be stimulated by the images (pretty shiny objects!), I started reflecting (pardon the pun) on the kaleidoscope itself.

The images that are produced come from broken pieces – tiny scraps that wouldn’t have much practical use otherwise. But in the scope, they are the point, they supplement the entire purpose. Likewise, God uses everything, even those things we might ignore or overlook.

The diversity of a kaleidoscope is fun, and it highlights the many ways that sizes, shapes, and combinations are used. As individuals, our various aspects and offerings become part of a whole; sometimes in a primary focus and sometimes supporting and enhancing others. Without the shifting and changing, the scope would be a static display; and the many ways the colours connect and complement each other brings beauty in many ways.

The more fragments within the scope, the more opportunities are revealed and new perspectives are gained. Our scriptures comprise a plethora of options and pericopes for us to consider, alongside the outside factors of the world. How we hold the scope is different, the lighting may change, how we interpret the colourful display is analogous to how we return to scripture time and again; the contents don’t change, but the way that we receive them may offer previously unconsidered perspectives. The richness continues.

The analogies and insights can continue – and I invite your thoughts! However the reflection I will close on today is that of beauty - resplendent, delightful, undeniable beauty – that is gifted to us. By the kaleidoscope, and by our faith.