Unexpected Beauty

Good Morning,

You may have noticed the rain the past couple of days? Indeed, as I woke up this morning, there was another downpour.

I like rainy days. I don’t mind when it is a little overcast outside. However, when the rain is as heavy as it has been, it makes it difficult for me to enjoy some of my favorite trails. I try my best to walk/hike daily. Therefore, when the rain is really coming down, I feel a little frustrated.

Have you noticed that when you are frustrated it can be harder to see the beauty that is all around you? It is completely normal, and human, to be frustrated and disappointed. This post is not intended to say that we should not get frustrated, and we won’t be disappointed.

Though, even in the midst of frustrating moments, it is good to remain attentive to the good things happening around us.

Why?

Our frustrations and disappointments can often overwhelm us. Then, suddenly, we might become frustrated with more than just the rain that keeps us from trails (or whatever our examples may be). All of a sudden, our frustrations can become an attitude of frustration to all things.

Feeling frustrated about several things yesterday, something caught my attention as I pulled into my driveway. The vibrant yellow of the daffodils in our flower bed captivated me. Then, as I stared at the beauty of the flowers, I remembered the value of the rain in making this happen.

The rain was causing me to miss my favorite trails. The rain also allowed me to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the flowers. The rain also helped to bring out the beauty of the flowers. The perceived root of my frustrations, was also involved in the beauty that captured my gaze.

Of course, not all causes of frustrations are something to celebrate. Nor are all the sources of our frustrations playing their role in beauty.

However, maybe we can pause this day to take in the beauty of flowers, (creation) and consider there is goodness in humanity. When we pause to be, breathe, and pray we may begin to see the beauty in the people, environment, and society that we have perceived to be the causes of our frustrations.

“Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.” ~Thomas Merton

I pray that even in the midst of our frustrations this day, that our gazes might still become aware of moments of sustaining beauty.

Have a blessed week!
Pastor Matthew