Today
is Wednesday, what a day!
As
I was walking across campus early this morning I looked to the sky somewhat
disappointed in the gray and gloom that hung around. No beautiful, breathtaking
sunrise like yesterday. Ho hum.
Label
me as guilty but I am an Instagram lover, #notashamed. It is always ironic to
me however on the days of very apparent and present beauty how many photos are
captured. Sunrises, puppies, popping fall colors, thermometers sharing 50
degree weather, bibles laid open during special ‘devotion’ times, etc. And I
suppose they should be documented given the wonderful blessings that are before
us.
But
this morning as I walked somewhat downcast by another cold, gray January day I
remembered that we serve a constant God. One who is beautiful and marvelous any
day, captured in any moment. It’s natural to look only to the obvious beauty in
front of us but when I paused and looked at my surroundings I saw simple beauty
tucked away in the quiet, peaceful campus that may have been gray but still
held the Lord’s presence.
Our
Instagram worthy moments run perpendicular to each other as illuminating photos
of sunrises are captured with great joy and excitement yet snowstorm stricken
Midwest photos are shared in haste and bitterness. Sure, this could simply be a
surface-level social media conundrum yet I am convinced it goes much deeper
into our attitudes and recognition of what beauty is.
Friends,
all things are beautiful as all things are created by the Lord.
That
terrible snowstorm last week with bone-chilling winds? Beautiful. The inner
feelings of doubt, regret, or loneliness we may be too afraid to share but are
still very present? Beautiful. The leftovers I have eaten for the past four
days? Beautiful. The deep sadness I am experiencing with a loved one battling
mental health issues and a potential brain tumor? Yes painfully difficult but
still beautiful.
My
prayer is that we live with opened eyes and hearts to capture both apparent
beauty and hidden glimpses of beauty day to day. Our God is present in both the
burst of unique colors and stillness of gray skies morning to morning.
Labels: faith, Heart to Heart
