Sometimes when we are overwhelmed with the yucky world around us, we do well to take time out and remember the “Beautiful Things”. They are everywhere and unable to be counted!
Beautiful things surround and abound!
Consider them to dispel our frowns.
It will free us to sing,
to soar up with wings,
bring perspective to life
and peace to our minds,
relieve jagged nerves,
troubles will blur,
make glad our hearts
and help us to laugh.
The most beautiful things cannot be donned,
purchased with gold or made by a wave of a wand.
They are seen in creation or come from within.
Lord, grant us the eyes to see beautiful things.
Ponder the beauty around us each day
like colour: a rainbow, a sunset arrayed,
the blue of sky with clouds puffy and white
and the hues and shades in gardens and trees.
Imagine the world if no colour is seen!
Let our thoughts dwell on a meadow enchanting,
luscious and full of buttercups dancing,
of lambs with their mothers leaping and prancing
and a cool stream slowly meandering.
Think upon rolling mountains and ranges,
wide, sunburnt plains golden with grain,
perhaps of the ocean’s vastness and deep
hiding a world of secrets beneath,
of hot, white sand edging palms and green seas
or what about tall and majestic gum trees?
Kindness is always a beautiful thing,
not only to friends, but to those differing.
So too is courage and perseverance while suffering.
They lift up our spirits: they are gifts from the King.
Then there’s the beauty of youth and of toddlers
where the stresses of life are not etched on their forehead,
the smell of a baby, the love of a mother,
the wisdom of children, sisters and brothers.
Feel the breeze blow on our faces and hair,
examine the leaves and flowers so fair,
the princely peacock parading his feathers,
the striking skin markings of the tiger and leopard.
How defined are the muscles of the king of the jungle!
Watch a bird in its flight how it glides with air currents!
Study bees working, brilliant with skills
and hear the birds sing to welcome day in.
What about music that tingles the spine
or simply receiving a beautiful, uncalled-for smile?
Look around everywhere and see beautiful things,
gifts from above to remind us of Him,
to lift up our spirits and fill us with praise
for God’s kindness to us though sinful our ways.
Come and receive from Him cleansing, forgiveness,
and the beautiful righteousness of Christ will be given.
Pure and clean, new creations in Jesus,
nothing could be a more beautiful thing.
He also gives a beautiful hope for the end,
of Heaven in God’s Presence where
we’ll be changed to be like Him;
and known no more tears, suffering and sin!
As in an evil, sick world we live now,
lift up our eyes to see what beauty abounds.
It gives hope for the future and raises our spirits
when we give thanks to the Maker of beautiful things!
(Ecc.3:11-12, Gen.1:31, Psa.149:4, 1John 3:1-2, Rev.21:4)
