That could be the first line of the next verses of the beloved hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” which we’ll enjoy tomorrow. A highlight of my week was showing two of the Tuesday kids the sanctuary, and hearing/seeing/feeling a young 5-year old angel who saw it for the first time. ‘WOW! She exclaimed, with her bright face lit up. It’s SO PRETTY!”  That.made.my.day.

But we know that God’s work is not all about “pretty.” There are beautiful works of God being done within and among us.  Have you said “Wow” lately? There are beautiful creations being done through us, and I hear so often from our neighbors… “Wow. Thank you.”  There is the beauty of new member commitments celebrated this week, and more folks ready to join us soon. Wow!

A beautiful memory has been accompanying me this week – the Installation service that blessed our ministry together two years ago on September 30, 2018.  Beautiful music thanks to the choir, a packed sanctuary showing the beauty of long-standing diverse relationships, a beautiful fitting message from Kirsten “Come close”, beautiful food thanks to the Girl Scouts, beautiful execution of reception thanks to the Boy Scouts. 

We can certainly be distracted from warmth and beauty in the midst of the ugly and terrifying and challenging things we bear witness to in our world. We can be tempted even to dismiss milestones and memories as sentimental rather than seeing them as sacramental.   

Part of what’s getting me through in this fractured, fragile moment of time is to tap in every single day to the beauty of this life. I refuse to let it be eclipsed by the difficult and distressing things, all important to understand too. Are you making time for beauty?  It’s the way practice remembering who is Lord, and who is ALWAYS worthy of praise.

Deep thoughts on a Fall Day –
Pastor Jacki