Wednesday, December 27, 2006

The First Beautiful Day

I was challenged this morning by a friend of mine to look for beauty in the world around me--actually in my world. There is a world of difference between the two.

I have decided to do just that--and to keep at least some gratitudes along with the beauty. I have a gratitude journal I write in before I sleep--maybe though keeping some here will help me see beautifulness--and maybe even hope.

Eternal Hope is not a problem for me--I am confident in my salvation. Day to day hope--the workings of eternal Hope on daily circumstances is very difficult for me. I easily lose sight of the good and eternal of each minute of each day.

Along these lines is a quote from Elizabeth Barrett Browning: "Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes - The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries." Given that, if I would but open my eyes I would see beauty and gratitude and God and Heaven in all my eyes can take in.

My first bit of beauty today that I noticed was my dog Maxine.

My friend here at work, Leslie, and I were talking about her grandad's place in Arkansas. I have been there. We were envisioning some of the things he could do with the place--like make retreat cabins and rent out to groups or individuals. In talking I "saw" the beauty in his land and the beauty of a place to go in nature to rest your heart and come closer to God.

Thus far, those are my beauties.

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