3 Reasons Beauty is Vitally Important

Have you ever wondered why beauty affects us so deeply?

There are probably thousands of answers to that question, but I believe beauty opens us up. Where we might have been distracted, it arrests our attention. Where we may have been dull, it can suddenly sharpen our vision—walking around asleep? Beauty wakes us up to the world.

Beauty opens up our hearts.

Have you ever festered in anger only to see a beautiful sight and (even temporarily) forget the problem? I know a fall trip to the mountains soon after my Dad’s death was the sweetest of gifts. I couldn’t help but smile at the extreme beauty around us even when my heart was breaking about my Dad.

Beauty also settles our minds.

Swirling thoughts? Just take a few moments and refocus on something that is deeply beautiful to you. Watch and see how the Lord shifts the swirl.

Ultimately beauty causes us to turn from the struggles of the world toward the Father who is the ultimate Creator.

I don’t know about you, but I often tear up in the presence of great beauty. A few moments come to mind:

• Watching the sunrise over the mountains in Malawi.

• Standing on the Japanese footbridge at Giverny.

• Watching the sunshine and the wind blow at our son’s wedding.

• A bush covered in butterflies.

• One bright red fall leaf on the sidewalk.

• A touching sentence that speaks right to my heart.

• The melody of a song that puts words to feelings I have.

Just this week, I was at a coffee shop sitting outside to sketch. The weather was perfect. The leaves around me were just beginning to turn. I had nothing pressing to do at that moment except sketch. The loveliest jazz music was playing over the sound system. I was overwhelmed with the goodness of God. Even typing this and remembering I have begun to tear up. Beauty does this to me.

Would I have appreciated those moments if I had been in a hurry or was distracted? Probably not. I had seen the coffee shop and knew I wanted to sketch there. I am so grateful I set time aside just to lean into enjoying the lovely place available to me. I set myself up to enjoy beauty. We need these times. Where is a place you deeply love, or a place that has arrested your attention lately and is wooing you to draw near? Set aside some time to enjoy that place.

But the small moments make a huge difference, too. As you are going about your day purpose to slow down, even if just for a few minutes. Where can you see God’s fingerprints?  There are times when I even pray for the Lord to let me see Him at work around me. I invite you to join me in that prayer. I promise you that if you lean in, you will see His creative expressions around you and be blessed for it.

Here’s to the revelation of the beauty of our Creative Father this week!

Leave a comment and let us know where you have seen Him revealing His creation to you!

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