Beauty

It’s funny how you can read the same book many times, but one day a phrase you never really noticed just pops out of nowhere and stares you in the face. It happened to me just the other day.

We are reading Red Sails to Capri by Ann Weil for our story hour. The books speaks of three men who come to the island, one an artist in search of beauty, one a philosopher in search of knowledge, and one in search of adventure.

The story tells how the artist asks the main character, Michele, to show him the most beautiful spot on the island in order that he paint it. Michele does so. At the end of the day, he is shown the artist’s picture. To his amazement, the artist has not painted the beautiful view at all. Instead, he has painted an old stone staircase which Michele has always considered ugly.

Surprised, Michele finds the painting of the steps very beautiful. In his wonder, he asks a question: “Why did you go to the most beautiful spot on Capri and then paint something else?”

The artist responds: “You don’t need an artist to show you the beauty of a place like that. But your ugly steps—if I have made you see a bit of beauty in them…I am very happy.”

I wanted to stop in the middle of story hour and take note of my epiphany, but I’m afraid the 2^nd and 3^rd grade students wouldn’t have appreciated it much. Because it suddenly hit me how important it is to see beauty and help others see it, too.

Sometimes helping others see beauty is as simple as a positive attitude or a quick smile. Sometimes showing beauty is lending a helping hand or whispering, “I’m praying for you.” Sometimes we struggle to help others see the beauty in themselves.

Christians get a special chance to share in this art. We live in a time where church-going is often seen as old-fashioned and rigorous, a list of pious rules lived by oppressed people. If we can show the beauty and the joy received by living our faith, we, too, can take part in painting a picture that may leave people wide-eyed and amazed at what they witness.

Of course, we cannot help others see beauty until we can see it ourselves. Psalms 118:24 says “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 reads “Rejoice evermore.” Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t see this as a promise that we will naturally wake up joyful. Look at the wording: “I will.”  I believe it’s more of a commitment to strive for joy. To lay our past, present, and future into the hands of God and trust Him completely. Because it’s really hard to have this joy without true surrendered trust.

A while back, someone left a thought on a group I am on about making lists. Many people make “to do lists” to help them accomplish things. But shouldn’t it be just as much of a priority to make a “to think” list? It takes a conscious effort to keep our thought patterns headed in the right direction. It takes constant reminders to look to God. It takes deliberate action to lay claim to the joy He desires for us.

I’m not here with the answers. I only have a tiny beginning thought—and it’s not even a new one—that perhaps part of my purpose and yours is to help shine a light in this dark world. Maybe we can bring beauty to someone who does not expect to see it.

And so I want to turn my own face heavenward, breathe in the wonder of the God I serve, go forth, and share the beauty of Him with those I meet every chance I get until He calls me home to a place of beauty that is beyond what I can imagine.

Wishing each one of you a joy-filled and beautiful Sabbath!

I have loved this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson for years, and it seems relevant somehow, so here it is:

“To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
And find the beauty in others;
To leave the world a bit better,
Whether by a healthy child
Or a garden patch;
To know one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived—
This is to be a success.”