The beginning of a year is always exciting. We have a fresh start. The symbolism of putting the past behind and moving forward is always valuable, and for those of us who use God’s Word as a guide, it is biblical too.
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14 NKJV
A custom of writers is that we choose a word each year to concentrate on, to learn from. Usually, this word is one that God has pressed into our hearts in the days leading up to the new year. As we put a rather ugly year behind us, the word that has come to mind for me is “beauty”.
Don’t worry, this is not a subtle hint about a new business I am embarking on. I won’t be asking you to purchase some magic elixir to make you beautiful. Instead, it has become apparent to me that part of finding happiness on a daily basis is learning to notice the beauty that God has placed all around us. When I look out my kitchen window while doing dishes, the birds that surround our feeders exhibit the perfection in his creation. Bright colors, perfect shape and form. Beauty that is both practical and flamboyant, simple and very complex. His creation is so perfect.
Another illustration of beauty was found on Christmas Eve when I watched a presentation of the Nutcracker Ballet. Long hours of work on the part of each dancer, every set designer, lighting technician, and musician that was involved produced something very beautiful. The perfection resulting from each person involved in offering the best of their talents was enjoyable and memorable. Beauty.
Beauty is the quality that attracts us to something, makes us sit up and take notice. This year, I will work to bring beauty to my work, to glorify God and His creation. To attract attention to Him and His perfect plan for our lives. We will talk about this more as the year unfolds.
For now, my guiding verse can be found in Psalms 90, verse 17:
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.” NKJV
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