Walking my own healing journey, often I find encouragement in the healing journeys of others. A friend shared a quote with me which was like the balm of Gilead to my parched and wounded soul. More than that, it led me on another path to healing I had not considered: how beauty brings healing and Hope.
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Often stilling my restlessness and calming my anxiety, nature brings perspective. With trees taller than my giants and glittering dew drops in the morning sun brighter than the dimness housed in my heart, my view expands.
Certainly, breathtaking views from mountain tops or trekking through the wonders of a Canandian forest revealed their own unique beauty. But even a simple stroll through my gardens revealed the many ways beauty brings healing and hope.
Colors no brush can render, design captured nowhere else, all lay within our reach, if we have the time.
Though in the midst of one of the most colorful and alive seasons of the year, heavy with sorrow, I saw little, much less engaged the beauty waiting for me.
But Emerson’s quote begged, yea commanded me notice beauty, and in the noticing find healing and Hope.
Grabbing my camera, I headed out on a search for beauty. Admittedly, my first excursion yielded little, as I remained turned inward, like so many of the unopened buds I observed.
But little by little, apprehended by beauty, something shifted the tiniest little bit.
Come travel with me through my photographs and see what you find in God’s handwriting.
Along with the breathtaking wonder of the beauty I captured was the subtle but powerful exquisiteness of the beauty felt only with my senses. Feeling the embrace of a warm breeze, the comfort of an intoxicating fragrance, or the sheer Joy in hearing the song of a blue bird.
Not to mention the sweetness of the season’s first strawberries on my tongue or the silky softness of Shalom’s fur.
“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
Stop. Breathe. Notice. Yes.
Rediscovering Beauty and being rediscovered by Beauty. Everything shifted from the gray of despair to the color of Hope. For as I read God’s handwriting in the beauty around me, He covered my wounded places with the balm of His truth.
Yes, just as He crafted the beauty I captured; He crafted me. He sustains His creation and will one day redeem it.
And all the gray and broken places in my life will be redeemed too.
Beauty heals, restores, speaks Hope. Beauty gives grace where we saw none, gives light in the darkness. Gives hope in the desperate places.
Even in the dark places, we can find beauty of we remember when something is buried, something beautiful will grow.
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I really love this, Donna. Emerson’s quote, your story of how you were “apprehended by beauty,” and your soul-refreshing photos. I find so much hope and comfort in God’s beauty around us, too. Love and blessings to you!
Thank you so much Trudy for stopping by. I so appreciate your kind words and support!
This post resonates with me, Donna! The Lord always restores hope to my soul when I spend time in nature noticing the gifts of His creation. Beautiful pics!
Amy, so glad you stopped by and found encouragement here today. I appreciate your kind words, and echo your sentiments about creation, such a healing balm!
Donna, your photos are beautiful! Filled with God’s handiwork woven intricacies. I love to intentionally notice God’s beauty in whatever season I’m in and whatever seasonal season we’re in. Thank you so much for this tenderhearted encouragement today.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Thank you, Paula, for your kind words! Intentionally noticing God’s beauty throughout the seasons truly brings us deeper into his Presence!
I love this, Donna. I’m glad you heeded the call to slow down and capture the beauty in the form of these lovely photographs. And what a beautiful promise: “He sustains His creation and will one day redeem it. And all the gray and broken places in my life will be redeemed too.”
Lois, I am so glad too, it brought calm to me heart and soul, as well as reminding me of the great Hope I have in Christ.
God’s creation is a healing balm to our souls and a catalyst for our spirits to worship Him. Donna, thank you for today’s journey into God’s beautiful creation.
Lisa, so true, nature has always been a healing balm for me, providing calm reminders of God’s Presence!
Donna, thank you for sharing the beauty you found. Your photos are breathtaking, and your message warmed my heart. I love that quote. And I love flowers. God’s creation always lifts my vision and my spirit. Thank you!
Melissa, thank you for stopping by and enjoying my photos! I rejoice that you found my post encouraging, I’m always amazed at how much God speaks to me through creation!
You definitely found SO many beautiful things, Donna! It’s amazing how often I can walk right past those incredible acts of creation and not even notice them. Stop, breathe, and notice. Thank you, friend.
Thank you, Lisa, for taking the time to read my post and enjoy my photos! Most of these were captured in my own yard or on my regular walking route through my neighborhood. I was amazed at how many I had passed without seeing until I took the time to allow beauty in. YES! Stop, breathe and notice!
Donna, these photos are stunning! Each one was a gift this morning – the strawberry caused me to notice anew all the seeds 🙂 And friend, I am certain, you surely planted many with this post. It is so true – when we slow down and take in the beauty God has placed all around us, it gives us time to let Him bring healing and restoration to our souls. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and encouraging post in both photos and words!
Thank you, Joanne, I enjoyed capturing these shots and improving my photography skills while allowing God’s beauty to wash over me.
I feel this post in my bones!
Spring is so gorgeous, and we experience it with all our senses.
Beautiful!
Indeed Michele, spring is truly gorgeous with its new life all around!