“The heavens are telling the glory of God,
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.” -Psalm 19:1-2
Have you ever noticed that we often find more of what we seek? So what if we set out to find beauty? Perhaps in the search for beauty we also find God. When I experience the flowers blooming and notice every petal or receive a hug from a friend after a long day, I inevitably feel grateful for the beauty extended my way. My gratefulness then directs me toward God.
Katherine May, a writer and thinker, notes that feelings of awe can crack us open, leaving us softer and more ready to engage. This window created by beauty and wonder opens our awareness of God as well. God created beautiful things – including us – people! It is all interconnected. We can name and experience beauty, and we can create beauty. The joy of a repeated pattern or the unique loveliness of another person’s face can spark our connection to and recognition of the divine. By engaging ourselves with this focus in life we can draw closer to our Creator. And how beautiful is that?
Beautiful God, what a marvel this world is! Draw us closer as we seek you. AMEN
Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.
Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent is available now! With readings to walk through the Advent and Christmas season, the weekly offerings in Comfort and Joy include a variety of devotional meditations and invitations to spiritual practices that help us slow down and savor this sacred season.
some comfort and joy 