On a Friday morning, while the boys were in school, my husband and I laced up our shoes, grabbed our hats and started walking toward the ocean. Although we live close to the Pacific, it rarely feels like it: we are surrounded by busy streets and every inch of precious coastal space is developed to the teeth. If it weren’t for the palm trees swaying in the wind or the screeching seagulls, you might forget the beach is nearby.
We turned left on Midway and made faster progress than the traffic. Making our way single file under the bridge, we avoided the litter on either side of the sidewalk, then finally hit the bike path leading to the water. We walked alongside the San Diego River, swollen from the rare arrival of a hard summer rain.
I interrupted my own part in the conversation every time I spotted a bird—first a Great Egret at the base of the rocks, then a Great Blue Heron standing stock-still on the river’s shore. A half-mile down the path, three birders sporting vests and bucket hats took turns looking through a short telescope on a tripod. Another half-mile revealed a small flock of Long-billed Curlews within striking distance.
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting,” Clergyman Charles Kingsley once said.
Sometimes beauty arrives unbidden and unexpected, and sometimes it goes unnoticed in all of our hurry and distraction. Sometimes we go out in search of it, stepping around the junk for a glimpse. Sometimes we are so bogged down in the mire of our own circumstances that we don’t recognize it.
Always, beauty speaks the language of our soul, and points to the One who created every beautiful thing and orchestrates every beautiful moment.
Keeping our eyes attuned to the Beautiful, even in the midst of our ordinary days, is how we cultivate our awareness of God and practice an impulse of praise.
Something I wrote: Small Acts, Big Impact: Building God’s Kingdom While We Wait. Between a natural disaster and the back-to-school season, I’ve had preparations on my mind. How does our faith ask us to be prepared? Read on and be encouraged because in God’s economy, nothing done in love is too small, no act of faith is ever wasted.
Something I read and loved: Another book recommendation for you! Her Children Arise: Passing a Legacy of Faith to the Next Generation by Casey Hilty is due to release in just a few days! Even in the throes of sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, and the challenging teen years, we can find our joy and purpose through guiding our children to see the heart of God. The secret is that it’s less about family devotions and more about our devotion to Jesus.
Something I listened to: The Presence Project with Summer Gross: What Your Soul Needs through Transitions. I loved her thoughtful questions for those of us in the thick of change or transition. Perfect for journaling!
Something I’m cooking: I can’t wait to try this recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Lime Rice bowls!
Today is the LAST DAY to grab this amazing bundle of free resources, including my ebook (with journal prompts!) all about how to overcome time anxiety and develop healthier mindsets about productivity. When you click here, you can scroll through the free offers and download the ones you need!
Until next time,
*From “The Sin of Certainty” p. 22 and p. 93 (emphasis his)
So beautiful Sarah. Thank you for the reminder to find beauty. I know I need it.
Never miss an opportunity to notice beauty ❤️ You know I love this reflection you wrote 😊