“In all ranks of life the human heart yearns for the beautiful; and the beautiful things that God makes are his gift to all alike.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

I know people who choose a word for the new year and focus on it for their personal and spiritual growth. I haven’t done that – at least not until this new year. A word came to mind that has followed me like a lost puppy for a few weeks now. So I guess I’ll have to keep it! The word is beauty.

I believe God designed us to be drawn to the beautiful. He lures our hearts with what is attractive. I had an artistic friend who once told me I should surround myself with beautiful things. I took that to heart, but now I’m realizing I don’t have to put beautiful things in my path, they are already there. I just have to look.

This year I am looking for beauty in . . .

. . . the natural world.

. . . the arts.

. . . God’s Word.

. . . God’s character.

. . . other people.

. . . my own soul.

It seems that the most captivating kind of beauty is that which is inside a person. There are people we may not be drawn to because of physical beauty, but there is something in their soul that attracts us: Something deep in their being that seems right and good and beautiful. I’m looking for that kind of beauty as I go about my day today. Want to join me?

“. . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8b