Beauty

I bought flowers today. They were the first thing that greeted me as I entered the store. Cheerily inviting me to come near and smell their sweetness. To gaze upon their vibrant colors. To wonder in their delicate creation. Such a wide array of beauty!

Then I heard the snarl…”Beauty is a luxury.” And the internal conversation began…

It is a waste of money.

They are just going to die.

You didn’t come here for flowers.

You can’t afford them.

So I walked on. Searching the aisles for the items on my list. Frankly, none of them were beautiful. Just practical items needed to keep a household running. Certainly nothing that could be considered a luxury.

Then I heard a gentle whisper…“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)

Beauty is a creation of the Most High.

Beauty brings Him glory.

Beauty gives us joy.

Beauty is a gift.

God made beauty, and everything God made is good. Beauty is not a luxury!

I am a linear thinker. As an Administrative Assistant, that serves me well. Linear thinking helps me plan, strategize, and implement systems that facilitate the daily function of a visionary Senior Pastor’s office, cooperation with a forward-thinking Senior Team, and encourage a stellar Administrative Team. Linear thinking is clean, clear, and almost predictable. I am an organizational nerd.

But I am also imaginative. Someone who gets a thrill from taking something old and bringing new life to it. I see the promise in the discarded, the value of dreaming. I am drawn to beauty and appreciate its many forms. I am a creative.

Some would say I am conflicted! But I have learned to resist the singular and embrace the both/and nature of who God created me to be. One gift does not cancel out the other. Both have value. Both have purpose. And God has consistently shown me how He loves to use both “sides” of this creation for His purposes and glory.

The snarl tried to convince me that only one characteristic has value. Then it seamlessly went into shame to discourage me from embracing a gift that God has created for me to enjoy. Crafty.

But the gentle whisper invited me to see the truth. To trump the accusations with promises. To receive the gift that my Father wants to give. Generous.

When was the last time you had something fresh and beautiful nearby? It could be a sweet reminder from your loving Father that…

You are adored.