As I opened the gate to the garden, there on a broad sunflower leaf rested a bright yellow butterfly, wings unfurled in the afternoon sun. I stood very still, watching as the butterfly exercised its wings, marvelling that it didn’t fly away.
Later, on consulting a field guide, I was able to confirm my suspicion that it was a swallowtail, but in the moment, my deeply insufficient response was, “Why didn’t I bring my phone so I could take a picture?”
Consider this post as corrective repentance.
Psalm 104 is a hymn to God’s creative work in the heavens and the earth. The God who designed my winged friend is the same God who “makes the clouds his chariot” and “set the earth on its foundation.” Every red-veined beet leaf and rugged tomato plant flourishing in the rows adjacent to the sunflowers testify to God’s lavish vision for this planet.
We are surrounded by evidence of God’s glory:
O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.”
(Psalm 104:24)
The hymn writer exclaimed, “He shines in all that’s fair.” And there’s enough that’s fair in every season of the year to keep you and me on a perpetual beauty hunt.
My right response to beauty, then, is a seeing that leads to becoming, an appreciation for the view that prompts a worshipful response—and then a decision to obey the commands, take up the yoke, follow the way, and love the people of this amazing God.
Holding You in the Light,
My right response to beauty is a seeing that leads to becoming, an appreciation for the view that prompts a worshipful response—a decision to obey the commands, take up the yoke, follow the way, and love the people of this amazing God
Tweet
Have You Read the Latest Newsletter?
On the third Wednesday of every month, I send a newsletter with biblical encouragement straight to my subscribers’ email inboxes. Frequently, I share free resources, and the newsletter is where all the news lands first.
CLICK HERE to find me on Substack, where my goal is to help you on the path of becoming a confident follower of God and a student of His Word.
Now on the Bible App!
Grief comes to everyone sooner or later, and whether it’s the death of a loved one or the loss of some cherished aspect of our life or identity, God’s Word is crucial for grieving well. Past hurts have a habit of snagging our hearts in unexpected moments, but God provides abundant grace to help the believer move through grief without getting stuck and without wasting the opportunity to walk more closely with the Lord who lightens our darkness.
As you know, I’m committed to the truth that women can become confident followers of God and students of his Word, and it’s my goal to help you along that path. At Living Our Days, I provide biblical content and resources to encourage biblical literacy and faithful living, and now I’m sharing devotional content on the YouVersion app. Visit my profile page to get free access to all the reading plans!
Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, which means that whenever you purchase a book I’ve shared here through the link I provide, I’ll receive a very small commission. It doesn’t cost you more, and I only share books here that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Photo by Danilo Batista on Unsplash
Living Our Days 