Humble Beauty

I am such a sucker for flowers. I am that mom. You know the one. I would go to great lengths to pull over the car when my kids were small so we could pick wildflower bouquets. I used my best MIKASA crystal vase to ensconce dandelions or other assorted items others would probably dub weeds. But what are weeds anyway? 

Ralph Waldo Emerson describes them this way:

"What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have never been discovered." 

I do try to appreciate beauty in what others may overlook. 

Now, don't get me wrong, I do love a bunch of matching flowers in a special vase (sounds like paws) as much as the next gal, but something in this little heart of mine goes pitter patter when a messy handful of wild blooms gets thrust my way. Fewer of these make it into my house now that my kids are all teenagers, but my response is still the same for the spontaneous gesture of flowers. I love them! Not once does it cross my mind that the value of these wildflowers is any less than those of the store bought sort. 

God created each of us with different talents, different gifting, and obviously with very different exteriors. I don't want to get caught in the trap of what people look like or putting value on the book's cover alone.

I spent many years worrying about what people thought of me and focusing on my exterior alone as the measuring stick for my significance and worth. God has had a huge project in me.  Yet He chose to transform me. He was ruthless in some ways and gentle in others. This has been far from a pain free process, I can assure you. 

However, the One Who knows me best and loves me most has not taken one break since I chose to follow His plan for my life back in 1980. Now that doesn't mean I haven't tried to climb off the potter's wheel when He sculpts, shapes and molds me to look more like what He created me for all those years ago. 

I still have days ( as recently as today) when I just want the refining process to be easier. I want the struggle to be simpler. I want to feel beautiful in spite of the chipping away that sometimes leaves me with visible scars and an altered image that can appear somewhat shocking to those who have gotten used to it. 

At any rate, I think I have an affinity for those "weeds" because I so identify with their dubious worth to the untrained eye. I am so grateful I am instead seen by the Creator whose eye continuously zeros in on my value, my worth, and my potential because He sees and knows the purpose for which He made me. 

I think I will go take one more whiff of that lovely red flower floating in a bowl on my counter before I head off to bed. My 14-year-old son still sees how happy those humble gifts make this mama. I hope he never forgets. (Makes me melt). Head on over here for more great writing.

On His Adventure~

Pam 

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Why Leave A Trail of Beauty?

Imago dei = The Image of God (Hebrew: צֶלֶם אֱלֹהִים; tzelem elohim, lit. "image of God", "image of the Holy Spirit", often appearing in Latinas Imago Dei) is a real image, concept and theological doctrine in Christianity, Judaism[1] and Sufi Islam,[2][3] which asserts that human beings are created in God's image and therefore have inherent value independent of their utility or function.


We are created in the image of God, regardless of what we do or don't do to further the beauty He has inherently created within us. All of creation bears His indelible stamp. All of creation exudes beauty simply by existing. I listened to the birds chirping this morning (actually it was more like the honking of geese this particular morning. Lots of geese heading South, I'm guessing). But I digress .

Their songs are not sung because of a desire to be heard, admired or applauded. They sing because they were created. They can't help it. They make a joyful noise because they must give expression in the only way provided for them.


We who are created in the very image of God have a choice. We can choose to reflect His image in a beautiful way or not. Yet, in our humanity we may determine certain behaviors and presentations more or less beautiful than others, our simple existence demands we reflect Him. We can't help it. We are in His image. We reflect Him.


How much more powerful could we reflect that image of God if we looked at every single day as an opportunity to leave a trail of beauty? Simply put, we are beautiful to Him. He created us. We leave beauty behind when we are being all He created us to be. We can't help but be beautiful when we see ourselves through His eyes.


On His Beauty-full Adventure~
Pam

One Step at a Time

Leaving a trail of beauty takes intention. It is a daily choice to make a positive difference. I want to choose to remember the quote below, especially on days when I feel like life is much more of an uphill climb than the photo would indicate. 

"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Lao Tzu  

I'll be back tomorrow with some specifics regarding my gluten free journey and how it has helped me to change my perspective on the beauty I can find in life.

On His Adventure~
Pam 

Beauty Through My Eyes

I love all different facets of creation. What I may consider beauty may not constitute the same feeling for you. Yet each Sunday I hope to share a tiny glimpse into something I find beautiful, whether it be an object, a well-crafted phrase or concept that makes me stop and take notice. Here is my first offering: