Beauty is defined by dictionary.com as “the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).” To end the class I took for j-term, we looked at apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic narratives. We read The Road by Cormac McCarthy and watched Children of Men, among others. The commonality in all the apocalyptic narratives is the lack of beauty; lack of hope. The road is bleak and full of violence. The narratives end in the death of an important character. What do you find beautiful? I have listed some things (because I love lists a lot) that I find beautiful. These are what I consider the “Seven Wonders of the World.” I also commented on them.
7. The human body: It seems that people are always trying to improve their bodies. And yes, they should be taken care of. The body is a temple of God. But can you pause a moment and wonder about its complexity and utter beauty? God paid special attention to it when he created it, and breathed life into humankind, unlike every other creation. Whoa! And it’s just beautiful. Some of my friends to use the excuse when they’re looking at somebody attractive that they’re just “admiring God’s creation.”
6. A smile and laughter: It is amazing how a simple smile can brighten a day. Laughter, too, is something beautiful. A real laugh, not just a polite laugh. Both smiles and laughter are encouraged daily. Find something to smile about every day! They’re beautiful!
5. Art: Beauty can be found in the paintings and sculptures of artists. A theater house, a cathedral, the pyramids? Beautiful. Beauty can be found in the art of creation. A Midwest sunset or sunrise? The Colorado Mountains? Simply beautiful!
4. Words: I am quite taken with words. They are simply a different medium that artists may use. A poem, a novel, a journal– beautiful. The most beautiful words ever are found in the Bible. And if you don’t read directly from the Bible everyday but only read people’s comments about what is written in the Bible? You should check it out! Because, yes, beauty is found there. (It’s the word of God!)
3. Music: Music can be found in many things, not just a college band playing great music (I say that as we leave for tour today). The music of nature, the music of the soul, the music of praise to the creator of all. I can’t even express in words the beauty of music. It is found everywhere! Sound in general, really. God SPOKE the universe and everything else into creation. Sound. Music. When a parent reads to their child before bedtime, music. Spoken word; daily conversation. Music. Beautiful.
2. Love: Without love, I don’t think there would be beauty. Love is beautiful and it ultimately points to the most beautiful being in the universe: God. His love is infinite and beyond understanding. And he gave us the ability to love, as well. Love in relationships between a parent and child, relatives, friends, significant others, and so many more. God’s greatest command is to love. He has given us this beautiful gift. What more can we do, but pass it on?
1. Christ: Christ is the ultimate beauty and love and sacrifice. All the other beautiful things are found in him. Christ paid the penalty for our sins even as we were his enemies. He loved us THAT MUCH. It blows my mind every day.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17b-19)
Where do you find beauty?
Anna 🙂
Anna E. Meyer 