Having our granddaughter with us for the week, I found myself saying “be still” a bit more than usual. She was in new surroundings, not at our house where she has her room. She spent hours in the car and slept in her sleeping bag on the floor of our room. She would go into high motion not allowing herself to be still and risk falling asleep.
I read these words earlier this week: “behold the beauty of where you are now.”
The beauty of where you are now
Last week it was the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Last night it was the beauty of a room filled with addicts trying to reclaim life. Just now, right now, it’s a blue sky with palm branches gently moving as I look through our living room window.
I’m trying to reach deeper than seeing physical beauty. Asking myself where is my heart now? Where am I spiritually that I can see beauty? Some things are easier than others and as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What holds my eyes?
“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” Philippians 4:8 the Message
I find complaining and whining easier than finding beauty and why do I have to be so slow to learn these things? It’s not about physical beauty but beauty of truth. The beauty found in grace. Being reputable and authentic, that beauty.
National Portrait Gallery Washington DC
I think about walking through a museum and how I stand and gaze. No rushing to take in the beauty but standing still with close examination and appreciation for the art and artist. That’s what I need to purpose to do. To gaze at the Creators creation and see the beauty before me.
A mother with Alzheimer’s who lets me take her hand to cross the parking lot: beauty.
A 4-year old crying out in the wee hours “MeMe, MeMe…I had a scary dream.”: beauty.
A man broken and surrendering his addiction to a loving God: beauty.
A dish holding shells found at the beach: beauty. I am surrounded by beauty and I need to call it by name, praising God for the wonders that surround me.
Living In Graceland 
You are beautiful: Inside and out! Thank you for this: You see beauty in everything. I know how diligent you are about spreading goodness and sharing positivity in everyone. I am proud and blessed to have you as a friend. OXOXOX
Melis, you have a big heart and I’m happy you’ve shared it with me. Thank you! xo
Oh, and as usual … Debby, your pictures are amazing! They always tell a wonderful story. xo
P.S. Feeling a lot better. Thank you for all your well wishes and encouragement. Love, Mel
Thinking of you today, mel, and your root canal. Take care, my friend. lots of hugs your way.
Debbie, I could not have said it any better! I praise God daily for all the beauty and wonderment around me. I love your blogs. Keep writing.
Aunt Bree
Oh, you’re so sweet, aunt Bree. Thank you. I’m glad we share a love for beauty and, mostly, for God. We have been blessed!
I’m with your granddaughter…being still is hard!
Love to see the healthy smiles on the men.
Lou, I’m getting better at it. Especially after a week with the grand! 😀
Yes, I like seeing the men enjoying life. Good stuff.
Seeking His beauty is amazing. I spent so much of life ignoring it and focusing on negative. Philippians is perfect!
It’s easy to be negative sometimes but thank God we have a reason to hope and see beauty. Thanks Judi.