Hi friends. Two posts in under a week! I realize some of you may need to pick yourselves up off the floor. Go ahead; I’ll wait.

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Ready? Today’s thoughts start with a question for you to ponder: Where do you find beauty?

This question came to mind a couple of days ago as I was taking a short walk. I wasn’t feeling well and just needed to get out of the house for a short while to get some fresh air. As I rounded a corner, I was stopped in my tracks by a sunset. The scene was beautiful, and I assure you the picture below does it little justice.

As I stood and stared at the sinking sun over the water, the question came to mind, where do you find beauty? What makes you stop and take notice? Are there things that always bring a smile to your lips or inspire you?

Here are a few other things I’ve found beautiful recently:

• Video chats with wonderful friends.
• This rainbow over Sheep Island.

• The sounds of waves rolling in and a baby’s laughter.
• The enjoyment on the faces of friends as we share a favourite meal.
• Praying with friends.
• The harmonies in this song:  

Beauty is truly in the perception of the beholder, and the things that I experience as beauty may not “speak” to you in the same way. As you may have noticed from the things above, I am easily amused, impressed and inspired. Perhaps you don’t have what one of my friends describes as the “LDF” (low-dazzle factor) like I do, but I hope you have things that you find beautiful.

You see, I believe it’s important to notice the beauty that surrounds us. As beings who are made in the image of God, we are wired to notice, celebrate, and create beauty. But there are times I get so busy with tasks that I stop noticing. Too often I keep my head buried in a computer screen or looking at whatever I’m distracted by at a given moment, and I miss the beauty that is right in front of me.

During this year, as I am learning to notice and cherish the moments I am living, I am becoming more aware again of the things I find beautiful and how readily available they are if I will just see them.

So, where do you find beauty? If you don’t have an answer come to mind fairly quickly, may I suggest you slow down a bit during your day and take time to notice? Recognize when you are moved or inspired or take pleasure in something and make note of what brought about that feeling. Find beauty throughout your day and let it move you to worship the Source of beauty, perhaps to share it with another, and to discover, celebrate and create even more beauty in the world.

I‘d love to see your answers in the comments below!