By Drew Aiken
Grade 12
The Search for Perfect Reflection
The paper kite fluttered to and fro, yanked back and forth by the strong arm of the wind. The
influence of each passing wind told the kite which direction it would fly next, becoming battered
and bruised with each gust. I watched the kite as it was controlled by the elements and concluded
that this was not what I was looking for.
As I began to wander down the beach, seagulls cried overhead, eyeing me, wondering the
purpose of my search. I continued to walk down the lonely little stretch, when a wave washed
across my toes. The frigid cold causing me to jump in the air unfortunately landing on a small
point sticking out from the sand. Curious I used my toe to dig around the point uncovering a
beautiful nautilus shell buried just underneath the surface. I was entranced by the sunset pink
pattern curled around the tail end of the shell when suddenly small spindly legs shot out! Startled
and disgusted, I flung the creature back into the sea. As beautiful and incredible as this discovery
was, I was not convinced this was what I was looking for.
Almost as soon as I dropped the little crustacean, a seagull swooped in a flash underneath my
outstretched hand attempting to catch the food before it disappeared into the next wave. The
seagull missed, skimming the water like a small aquaplane before looping back to join the flock
who continued to yammer away in a group of twenty. I turned, curious yet again, and decided to
creep slowly toward the noisy squabble. As many eyes that were in the group, not one saw me
stalking silently behind. I pounced like a tiger leaping directly in the middle of the birds scaring
the contingent to the point of flying away in a white and gray flurry of flapping and squawks of
irritation. I laughed as I watched the gulls circle around individually, but then land 20 yards away
in yet another group. This was definitely not what I was looking for.
I resumed my quest down the beach until I came upon a rocky gully of swirling pools. The
waves crashed up against the rock, but the plant life was protected by a tall outer shell of rock.
Wave after wave slammed ferociously against the protected wall. It was a beautiful scene, a
strong protector of weaker species. However, I saw some spotty rushes of water occasionally
overcome the barrier carrying away plants and shells. An imperfect stronghold. I knew in my
heart that this was not what I was looking for.
Completely frustrated I trudged on past the gully and came upon an abandoned lifeguard stand. I
clambered carefully up to sit on the top just as I had seen the lifeguards had done hours earlier. I
settled into a relaxed position, my hands back to support myself, my legs dangled loosely over
the edge, as I stared out at the open ocean skyline. The yellowish purple sunset shouted back at
me “I am what you are looking for!” I could only respond with the shake of my head. The beauty
in this scene was absolutely breathtaking, the porpoise backs that rose up and down over the
horizon, the shadow that was cast upon the lapping waves, everything seemingly perfect. But
still I sat confused unable to enjoy the moment. I still could not find the perfect reflection of Him
in anything I had come across.
I couldn’t see the beautiful reflection of Christ, of the warrior he was, in any of his creation. The
paper kite was too controlled by the winds and did not show the dogged determination of my
mind's eye warrior. The seagulls were frightened easily, courage not visible; the shell beautiful
on the outside, disgusted me with the inward appearance of the spider like creature. The rocky
gully had not protected all of the plant life like a perfect warrior would have. The sunset started
to fade and would soon turn into dusk, a slowly dying beauty that only was fleeting. I stood there
upset and frustrated lost in the irritation of one who has searched extensively in vain. Suddenly,
as if a heavenly messenger had come to my aide, I felt a gentle breeze whisper a single thought
to me.
Look Drew, look through My eyes.
I pondered this idea for a second.
How?
I took a deep breath and attempted to look through the lense of Christ at his creation. I saw how
the kite was battered and bruised, but kept flying, fighting through adversity. I saw how the shell
was buried, but still held unique beauty and hidden wonder; I saw the community of the seagulls,
realizing that the birds thrived on the community and the companionship of others-of the rocks
that protected the plants of the gully to the best of it’s ability, protecting the weak who could not
withstand the fury of the waves alone.
Finally I saw the beautiful painting of the sunset, the detail, the pure beauty and design. I saw all
the components that created the wonder of the sunset and realized that a warrior was not made of
but one characteristic, or of one element. It was many parts and pieces connected together to
create a true embodiment of a warrior. A warrior is rugged and determined, unique and beautiful,
he thrived on companionship, he protected those who could not do so themselves, he was all
these things and more. I couldn’t find the perfect representation on this Earth, because there was
none, at least not anymore. He had come to Earth, died for our sins. Jesus Christ. I opened my
eyes and deeply breathed in the salty air, enjoying every aspect of his creation, and finally
understood how my perfect Saviour was reflected through each part of it.