I read the comment on someone’s social media page. I cannot remember who wrote it or what it referred to — someone’s physical beauty or words written. Maybe it referred to God’s beautiful creation.

It reminded me of a time many years ago when a friend and I visited Niagara Falls. We were in Toronto and drove down for the day. It was breathtaking. The shops and town on the Canadian side of the falls were beautifully decorated with potted and hanging plants overflowing with flowers. The overall experience was one of awe and appreciation.

We decided to see the falls from the U.S. side, so we drove over. In contrast, this trash-littered scene was quite appalling. No quaint streets. No beautiful landscaping. Of course, the falls were equally as beautiful, but the environment around them hadn’t been kept up. It had quite literally gone by the wayside. Abandoned. Not cared for. We saw only trash scattered about.

Those two sides of the most powerful waterfall in the world couldn’t have been more different. (I do not believe this is true today, but the experience absolutely left an impression.)

Pristine or neglected?

What about us? Are our lives in pristine shape? Have we cared for the conditions around us?

• Our physical health. Is it on the back burner while we focus on other things? (Ouch – that one hits home for me.)
• Our mental health. What do we allow into our minds?
• Our spiritual health. Are we reading God’s word consistently?

Which side are you on?

Niagara showcases two views. Both views surround a beautiful phenomenon.

We have the love of God. It is without doubt stunningly beautiful. It is beyond comparison. Jesus Christ is our center, our constant. He is our powerful redeemer.

On the one side, we have complete trust and faith. The other side disobedience and rebellion.

My life has depicted both sides over the years. Can you relate?

But as Christ as our center, let us strive to keep the physical, mental and spiritual chunks of our lives in order so that others can see Jesus in us. Not to be distracted by clutter but that the life we live will point people to Him.

When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV)

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