In Christian circles, we elevate what we deem beautiful, endeavor to create spheres of pristine beauty, and perhaps rightly so, for “whatever is good, pure, lovely, think on these things.” But I wonder if maybe in the upside-down kingdom of God, what we regard as unlovely is, in Jesus, lovely. Because somewhere, underneath the grime of this broken world, everything has the radiant fingerprints of God on it. Seeing the world with Jesus’ eyes, we have the astonishing opportunity to daily love the unlovely into loveliness. And, funny thing, I’m discovering that when I lean deep into my secrets, when I draw the lens up close to the ugly in my life, examining the weave, the texture, the shadows, it too is beautiful. When I deeply see: bedsheets painted with highlighter?.. children live here! dead rose left too long in vase?.. lingering memories of a brother’s gift. Great-grandma’s wicker laundry basket overflowing in the mudroom?.. we had a full, rich weekend! vehicle souvenirs - a collection of shoes, Sunday school paper, Lego pieces?.. we’ll gather them up too. study table spread out with thoughts and ideas?.. we’re thinking now. a pile of tossed shoes on a shelf in the garage?.. worn days of a good summer. stack of tattered books?.. stories that have become real. Aren’t these ugly things, in their own way, part of the gift list too? God is always good and we are always loved... even when what He gives may appear ugly. Up close, touching the unexpected comeliness in these domestic messes, I can’t help but wonder... Does all the ugliness in my life look this beautiful? It would, if I got closer. Is that why God stays so close to us? Lord, draw me nearer to the scratched situations in my life, the scarred places. Get me close enough to You to see the beauty in them. Devotional by Ann Voskamp Have you examined closely the ugly things in your life looking for Gods grace and beauty? Have you discovered in the ugly His beautiful gifts of grace?
Posted on: Sat, 03 May 2014 02:03:59 +0000