I’m glad you’re here as we push pause in our days to discover beauty, explore faith, and rest together. You can have this weekly post dropped right in your inbox by clicking below.
Six or seven years ago I sat in a crowded concert hall for a performance by the NC symphony. It would be the first time in many years that I could remember being present for a live concert by a full symphony. I was excited, yes, but had little expectation beyond entertainment. As the individual instruments came together blending into song, I was surprisingly moved to tears by the beauty of it. I relaxed into my seat as delight and beauty engulfed me.
In the wake of busyness, anxiousness, or tiredness it seems like the easiest and first thing we let go of is making space for noticing beauty. Perhaps not on purpose but with so many moving parts to life, we seek out the essential and write off what seems like fluff. Our movements become hurried and beauty goes unseen or unappreciated as we forget to stay awake to wonder.
Beauty though has the power to overwhelm and awaken something within us. It beckons us to notice the moment and ushers us into an experience with the Divine. Beauty gives us pause to marvel at something outside of ourselves.
Noticing and allowing myself to be struck by the joy of beauty becomes a way of resistance to the overwhelm, striving, and hurt of this world. The hardships of life are real and can’t be easily brushed aside but the same is true of beauty. When we cease to remember beauty, our eyes become untrained and unpracticed in noticing it which in turn makes the burdens of life feel heavier to bear. Beauty pushes back against brokenness to remind us that there is hope. When we look around and find ourselves weary, we can find a certain comfort in beauty. It’s a reminder that there is good to be seen and experienced even still.
We too are bearers of beauty. Beauty abounds in each of us created in the image of God. We have the capacity to create, to point to, and to stand in wonder of beauty because it is part of who we are. Beauty is a good gift meant to draw us into communion with our Creator. To look at a beautiful piece of art is to see an expression of the beauty of God brought forth through someone’s creative efforts.
In our days, let us remember beauty. Let us remember our need for it and remember the power it has to act as a way of resistance to the tiredness and weariness of the world. Make space for it and create it.
A Practice
Seek out beauty: You don’t have to chase the sunset or make a big to do of it but do set an intention to make space for noticing beauty. Notice the way the clouds dance against the blue sky or put on your favorite music with a sense of appreciation for the richness of sound. Pay attention to what beauty stirs up in you. Remembering beauty will help us to see it in the midst of our everyday moments with a new awareness.
I would love to hear what beauty you find this week! You can leave a comment to share. Thanks for reading!