Beauty Hunt! Behold the Beauty of the Lord Today

Beauty Hunt! Behold the Beauty of the Lord Today

Posted on by Michele Morin

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

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four married sons and a growing fleet of adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

20 thoughts on “Beauty Hunt! Behold the Beauty of the Lord Today”

  2. Sometimes, from my porch I like to look at all the different types of leaves in my yard. Such variety is amazing. God is an amazing artist.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I do the same Michele, I often see & experience amazing things in God’s creation & not have my phone with me, but then I just savour the moment & enjoy praising God for His wonderous Creation for us to see there & then.
    Blessings to you my friend, Jennifer

    Liked by 1 person

  4. So true – every season, and every part of creation is a demonstration of God’s creativity and provision, and should prompt praise and awe from us. Too often I take these amazing things for granted and need to be reminded just how awesome God is.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. It is amazing how noticing something in nature leds us to appreciating our Creator. Each season is never the same. Lovely post, Michele!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Every season always seems to become my favorite when we’re in the midst of it. You’re right, they’re never the same, and even the same season from year to year offers different and beautiful blessings.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I love this fun imagery from K. D’Angelo: “Butterflies are God’s confetti, thrown upon the Earth in celebration of His love.” What better way to join the celebration than with joyful praise?

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I often have that same thought nowadays when I see some work of nature and don’t have my phone or camera with me… like the night we walked in the woods and an owl just sat in the tree hooting at us. I really wished I had my “real” camera with me but realistically I knew by the time I took it out and zoomed in the owl would have flown away anyway. I try to just soak it in and enjoy.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. “He shines in all that’s fair.” So true, Michele. I love how you describe “God’s lavish vision for this planet.” I’m learning to enjoy the sights outside my window for what they are, rather than what I can capture (usually quite badly) on my phone. Like the cardinals I love, or the occasional fox that visits the backyard. By the time I grab my phone, they’re usually gone anyway!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. “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.”
    A decision indeed!

    Like

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