I grew up surrounded by beautiful things. It wasn’t curated art on the walls of our custom home or a curio cabinet loaded with generations of heirlooms. It wasn’t jewelry, cars, or exclusive vacation vistas.
Instead, the thick woods surrounding our neighborhood where our gaggle of friends ran, played, and explored, provided hours of beauty and awe. The trees, creeks, and trails were each compelling in their own way, no matter the season. We couldn’t stay away. If we weren’t snacking on somebody’s porch, we were most likely in the woods walking, digging, building, or splashing.
All day, every day, we are surrounded by beautiful things. Some are long-lasting, gorgeous creations that we can count on to provide joy and stimulation again and again. Nature, art, music, a book or film, a stunning panorama, or a special someone in our lives.
There are also many creations of beauty that only last for a brief time. In my part of the world, there are red and white springtime blooms everywhere right now, which will soon give way to summer leaves. The yellow daffodils dancing in the breeze will soon disappear. Even a smile, a hug, or a high five, with their short life span, can provide both temporary joy and a lasting impact.
I had an overload of beauty on our recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land. As I reflect on my trip, I’m slowly sifting through 1,800 pictures. How can one begin to make sense of such a trip in the multitude of holy places?
Some of the images are simply barren wilderness, offering only rock and dirt as subject matters. Still, there is great beauty as they tell their story and invite us into it. Other images are overflowing with the color and activity of the crowded markets of Jericho and Jerusalem. Bustling with people and vehicles in the midst of fresh produce and handicrafts, you can almost smell the spices and hear the conversations of friends as they greet one another in the image.
Try this. Stop what you are doing. Yes, even reading this. Pause and celebrate the beauty that surrounds you in your space at this moment. Is it a person? Tell them what a gift they are to you and how they enrich your life. Is it an image, a feeling, or a smell? Savor it and thank God for the tremendous and endless gifts of beauty that envelope us in this moment.
Mary Oliver, in her poem “Sometimes,” offers her best advice for embracing this and every occasion:
Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
In the coming weeks, we will join Christians around the globe as we lean into the events of Holy Week. We’ll wave palm branches and shout “Hosanna!” We’ll listen as Jesus gives a new commandment to his followers to “Love one another.” We’ll watch in shock and awe as Jesus offers himself, while Barabbas goes free. We’ll sit with the distraught and exhausted disciples in their grief and then declare “He is risen!” when the stone is rolled away.
As we hear these stories, pay attention, be astonished, tell about it. Who needs to hear a message of hope? Who do you know that could use a dose of resurrection promise in their lives? Invite them into the beauty and awe of this season.
American songwriter and protest singer Phil Ochs declares, “In such ugly times, the only true protest is beauty.” In a season of despair, let’s speak hope. In a time of retribution, may we declare forgiveness. In a world determined to hate, God offers love.
I praise God for you!
Pastor Lowell