God, I see Your beauty in an African church. One tin cross and four mud walls enclose a space for the Holy Spirit to move. A multitude of praises including dancing, singing, whistling, clapping and shouting fill the room in a chaotic blend that is yet somehow still. Children crowd the altar as the congregation blesses them in prayer and then return to their mother’s laps in the pews. I close my eyes and You set my heart at peace. You show me how near You are as you smile down at Your people.
God, I see Your beauty in an African market. Stations line up to form a grid of vendors that lay out vegetables, fruit, spices, clothing and shoes in the dirt. Heads turn and people crowd in a hectic blending of cultures. One smile and short greeting create a ripple effect of giggles among the curious eyes. Love cuts through confusion as names and handshakes are exchanged. I stop in the midst of the chaos and take in a beautiful way of life that I have never known.
God, I see Your beauty in the imagination of a child. You pair expression and potential in a moment where crayons meet an open space to create. Color and shapes blend, resulting in a creation that must be shared. Compliments fill the artist’s ear and a prideful smile stretches from their face into their heart whispering truths that say, “wow, who you are and what you create is good.”
God, I see Your beauty in relationship. A gift given to us from the very beginning that reflects who You are. An argument between children solved by an older brother. Moments of uncontrollable laughter across the dinner table. Truth and blindspots revealed through loving conversation. Sharing cultures through testimonies and new experiences. Children exchanging imaginations in a whimsical game of pretend. Love given through eye contact when language blocks the exchange of friendship. You beautifully connect people from any country, any age, through any barrier on and on God.
God, I see Your beauty in the stillness of the morning. My eyes follow the wide grassland stretching back to meet a golden hill that touches the sky. I strum a tune and hum Your praises while You use the wind to play with my hair. My eyes trace Your creation and I marvel at your wonder. Fear dissolves away with every note as I recall Your past faithfulness and recognize Your present blessing. Memory replays and I grieve for a girl who did not understand Your love and lived in lies, but praise the Lord I don’t know her anymore. Morning by morning new mercies I see.
God, I see Your beauty in the cross. You watched us turn away from You, You saw a price that had to be paid and said, “I will go.” You endured humiliation, the worst physical pain and spiritual separation for us. Yet even as I sin against You, You gently lead me to repentance. You entrust me with your Spirit. Your motivation is always love. Your beauty revealed through the cross is unquantifiable. You are so good.
