“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
Psalm 34:8 NLT
Goodness and Beauty
Do you think of your life as one full of goodness and beauty?
We all face struggles of many kinds, and it would be easy for those crumbling times to take over our song, our expression of life. I have learned that looking for moments of goodness and beauty in my life have helped me to see God’s hand in my life. Reflection on these moments lift me up and stir up gratitude in my heart.
Let me share a few of these glimmers of beauty~
Excuse my pun, but I fall for fall every year. As I look out my window right now I can see the leaves of my crepe myrtles turning a brilliant shade of orange and red, the hovering trees are turning golden. The cool and crisp air make it more enjoyable to be outdoors and I love the sound of the wind rustling the leaves.
In this shift of nature, I see the hand of God. I see his goodness and beauty, and I am grateful.
It’s afternoon time, the girls are getting restless for their daddy to get home. I let my 4 year old climb up on the step stool and together we mix up a batch of spiced applesauce muffins. She carefully carves a well in the dry ingredients so we can pour in the wet. She watches me scoop the batter in, counting as we go. We share a quick kiss before she hops down to play in the other room.
In this time of togetherness, I see the hand of God. I see his goodness and beauty, and I am grateful.
It’s a quite morning, which is a rarity in our home with two young children. I open the blinds to watch the morning sun shine through, and sit down with a cup of coffee. I pull out my prayer journal and I pour out my heart to Lord. I admit my sin, I remember his mercy. I share concerns and thank him for blessings.
In this still moment, I see the hand of God. I see his goodness and beauty, and I am grateful.
Embrace a Heart of Gratitude
This is the time of the year we like to embrace a heart of gratitude. We count up our blessings, and try to focus on what’s most important in our life. These moments of beauty, are glimpses of God’s goodness. They are moments to share and celebrate.
You might find yourself in a valley right now. Perhaps your circumstances are wearing you thin and you feel inadequate. It might be that you are in a season of grief and sorrow. You’ve lost someone close, and are coping to figure out life without this person. Maybe it’s a diagnoses. Money might be tight. Your children are struggling. Oh, there are some who find themselves in great pain. If you are reading this and find yourself in a painful season please know that you have my sympathy. My hope for you is that even through these dark times you will be able to find moments of God’s goodness and beauty.
God’s Greatest Act of Goodness
The greatest act of God’s goodness and beauty took place long ago. A small babe was born and he was beautiful. He lived a life that beautiful. He suffered an agonizing death but was raised up from the grave. Through that death, burial, and resurrection God showed his goodness to us. He offers us his grace and his spirit and the hope of eternal life with him. Even when all of the places of our life feel grim, may we always remember this ultimate act of goodness and beauty.
During this Thankful season, I encourage you to think about what you are thankful for, and also to look for a glimmer of beauty every single day. Take a picture! Document it! Write about it in your journal. Find God in the small things, big things, and everything in between. Embrace the goodness of our Lord!
A Prayer Over Our Hearts
Father God,
You are beautiful and good. Thank you for the ways you display your goodness through your creation, and especially though your son Jesus. Give us eyes to notice your blessings and to see your hands at work. Help us to have hearts of gratitude no matter our circumstance.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
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