The Way of Beauty

It’s been a few weeks of sad, shocking grief. I find myself feeling everything and understanding nothing. It’s unbelievably disorienting. Left to my own devices, I’d have the curtains drawn and the covers over my head, like, forever and ever, amen. Truly, socially awkward hermit crabs envy my burrowing skills. (Side note: Anyone know a place that delivers three-tiered cakes made of pizza? Preferably with a side order of cake. Asking for a friend.)

But for one moment in my emotional Upside Down, I remembered that Cheryl Strayed quote— “There’s always a sunrise and always a sunset and it’s up to you to choose to be there for it. Put yourself in the way of beauty.” I can’t answer every question or be a flawless mom, wife, believer, or friend—especially in this season. But I can open the curtains. I can turn my eyes to beauty. I can hold fast to Abba and believe Him still to be unshakably in love with me and His Church. I can fully trust what He says.

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” Isaiah 45:2

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

I’m a broken, imperfect person. But reading about His perfect love makes me brave. So one breath at a time, may I put myself in the way of beauty—beautiful hope, beautiful authenticity, beautiful trust... Beautiful Jesus.

Praying the same for you.