
When I was completing my undergraduate degree in elementary education, one of my courses required each of us to create a collection of poetry for children. Of course, the result would also provide each of us with a resource for a future classroom. That collection in a wooden covered “book” still sets on one of my bookshelves. It is a treasure trove!
There are many poems in it that still resonate with me. It is also true that many of these poems are as significant for adults as for children.
One of my many favorites is a poem by Rachel Field entitled “Some People”. It continues to illustrate a powerful observation and as I was reading my scriptures for today, the poem came to mind again. Let me share it with you.
Some People
by
Rachel Field
Isn’t it strange some people make
You feel so tired inside,
Your thoughts begin to shrivel up
Like leaves all brown and dried!
But when you’re with some other ones,
It’s stranger still to find
Your thoughts as thick as fireflies
All shiny in your mind!
I so agree with Rachel Field’s words and description!
I most enjoy being with people like those described in the second stanza of the poem. They bring energy, refreshment, and passion into any conversation. (None of us are always that way, but if we are never that way???) I am also aware I desire to be that kind of person to others as well.
I think that can only happen when the Lord and I are intimately connecting, and He is growing me in Him and opening my eyes to see possibility and open doors that I would miss too often without Him.

When I am spending time with Him, personal intimate time with Him, I think it should show and be evident but not because I tell someone I have been with Him.
The connection of the poem to my scripture reading today came from two passages I was reading. The first passage was in 2 Corinthians 3:12-18. I often read a passage in more than one translation. Today The Message translation arrested my attention near the end of the passage noted. It reads as follows:
“All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so, we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.”
2 Corinthians 3:12-18 (MSG)
I felt as if the Lord was highlighting this part and challenging me about what I reflect. Unlike Moses who veiled his face so the Israelites could not see when the shine faded after he had met with the Lord, we speak to the Lord face-to-face and the Holy Spirit keeps us in communion with Him daily versus periodically as it was with Moses.
I am not suggesting I (or any of you) should go around daily with a photographic smile plastered on my face. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Nevertheless, if I am spending time with the Lord in communion with Him, something of Him should be reflected in me.
That reflection may be in my demeanor, my attitude, my speech, my imagination, my creativity, my peace, my love, and so on. I think it is what would make others hungry or thirsty to know what the source of that reflection was.
A bit later as I was reading in Proverbs 4:18-19 the theme seemed to connect again from The Message translation especially:
“The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—travelers can’t see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.”
Proverbs 4:18-19 (MSG)
If I am spending time with Him, even though I am imperfect and shot through with humanity, I think He was reminding me that it will and should show.
I should also be more like those in the second stanza of Rachel Field’s poem. Something living and vibrant of His life in me through the Holy Spirit should be reflected in me.
This isn’t new news, but it is the Holy Spirit reminding me that each day I reflect something or someone. I reflect the gospel, or I don’t. The reflection comes more from my behavior, my attitude, and my demeanor than from my words.
Who am I reflecting?
Who are you reflecting?

Such a thought-provoking post! We all should stop and look at ourselves sometimes.
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!
Love the poem Pam!
Have experienced both types of people. And it’s far easier to be around the second type.
But with the first one I put on my professional hat & see behind the behaviour, as I’m sure you do too. 😉
A great question to ask myself though, which I do often. Who am I reflecting? Let it be Jesus every time.
Blessings,
Jennifer
You’re right about those easiest to be around and using a professional hat for those woh aren’t so much. I agree! Blessings on your weekend!💕
Love the poem. Have experienced both types of people. Definitely want to be around and be the second one. What a good question to ask ourselves. Who are we reflecting? Let it be God.
Glad you also loved the poem. (The project for that class so long ago is filled with little gems like it,) I think it can be a good question to consider as I begin each day. That reflection goes ahead of us as more evidences of light and salt.💕
Love that poem by Rachel Field. Also — what a beautiful photo from Yellowstone!
Carol
https://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thanks for enjoying this gem of Rachel Fields with me. Thanks also for the photo I took at Yellowstone. Photography is a hobby I enjoy and never more than when I can capture a glimpse of God’s creation.💕
I have never heard that poem before, but love it!
You have posed powerful questions to think on. Who am I reflecting today? Praying for Jesus to be seen in my words and actions today.
I was thinking as I published the post that I might put a sticky note on my mirror with that question as a reminder…♥️
A post I very much resonate with and that’s really been on my heart lately. Thank you!
Thanks for this, Sharon. I think of you and yours often💕
Perhaps not completely on topic but I read the other day that when we are discontent with our life we are actually expressing discontentment in our Father. That thought has been whirling in my spirit ever since.
On topic or not, I think that is a powerful statement to reflect upon. Now my mind is whirling.💕