Reflaction

Most of us are accustomed to reflection before action: education precedes employment, knowledge equips us to perform particular tasks, and learning leads to new forms of living. During our year as Armonía volunteers, however, we experienced a more dynamic way of relating reflection and action.

First, we experienced reflection on action. The Armonía directors frequently encouraged this by asking the pivotal question: “What did you learn today?” With the hard work of the day still fresh in our minds, and often the smell of sweat still on our skin, we debriefed, discussed and prayed together, learning more from these times of reflection on action than we could ever glean from books.

In addition to reflection on action, we also experienced reflection in action. This type of reflection occurs by asking: What are we learning right now? Some of our most memorable insights into the meaning of ministry and Christ-centred service arose in the midst of digging a ditch, teaching an English class or washing dirty dishes. By reflecting in and on action, we allow God’s Spirit to convict and convince without giving our minds time to distill what forms of action are the most manageable. Reflection in/on action is the method for cultivating kingdom lifestyles, propelling us beyond comfort and convenience.

It is difficult to communicate the dynamic interplay between reflection and action. Perhaps an illustration is helpful. Reflection and action are related like eating and exercise. Eating without exercising is like reflection without action: we get bloated with ideas and spiritually out of shape. But the opposite is also true: exercising without eating well is like acting without adequate reflection, since we will not have the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nutrients to keep going, running the risk of burnout. To fully convey the inseparable relationship between reflection and action, we use a new, blended word: reflaction.

Volunteering with Armonía in Mexico was a unique way to experience and grow in our ability to reflact. The challenge for all of us is to practice reflaction as we seek to know and follow Jesus in unique situations and circumstances. How will you reflact today?

Wes and Steph Vanderlugt (centre) were long-term volunteers with Armonia, living and serving in Mexico between August 2008 and July 2009. Here they are teaching visitors and AIMS students alike to dance after visiting the Oaxaca Guelaguetza (annual dance festival). They now live, study and serve in St. Andrew's, Scotland.