Beautiful Things

I wake to the sound of rain and a sky filled with grey, in the midst of a Pandemic.  Nothing feels beautiful today, not after another restless night.

Yet I can’t get these song lyrics out of my head.

You make beautiful things…..

You make beautiful things out of us ………

Lisa and Michael Gungor

Later as I sit at my desk instead of looking at the constantly growing weeds outside my window, I find myself captured by the beauty of the flowers, vibrant even in the rain.

Hair hasn’t been washed in a few days. Make-up most days consists of moisturizer, maybe massacre, and some lip gloss. The laundry piles call for attention, the house is full of messy spaces, unfinished projects, and tired people.

Yet when I open my eyes I see beautiful things. I am called to see all the beautiful things. Tea in my late grandmother’s china teacup. Flowers cut fresh from the butterfly garden. Candles lit to warm the dreary day.

Picture perfect beauty is set up, while real us lingers on the sidelines.  The house of real people who interrupt the quiet moments. The real us that gets tired and cranky.  Us that together is learning to show grace and forgiveness in less than ideal situations.  Also, there is us that makes laughter fill this house.  The beautiful, silly, fun, ever-growing people that make life all together messy and beautiful.

Thank you Lord for beautiful things.  For taking our broken, messy selves and making beautiful things.  

In the midst of hard I am reminded to open my heart to see all the beautiful things.  I am reminded that we are in a time that needs more grace and understanding.  I am reminded that I don’t have to get dressed up fancy to have a seat at the beautiful table. 

Take that messy hair, no makeup self, and have a seat.  Light a candle, bring in flowers from the garden, set the fancy china out, and serve tea and chicken nuggets.  Invite your people to join you. It’s all messy, yet beautiful.  

My friends, no matter how messy you feel today. Remember you are so very beautiful.