Simple Beauty

We call it a disaster because of how it's affected us men.

But how do you explain all the beauty in the world?

Why do we always start questioning God when the things happen that we consider bad, thing that affect us adversely?

Look at the wind blowing through the trees.
Feel the warmth of a sunbeam.
Smell a soft flower.
Hear a coo of a baby with their mom

Where are the people who question God those wonderful things happen?

It's ridiculous to think of someone demanding an explanation for joy and beauty. Because when it's there, it's not questioned, but often taken for granted.

But maybe we should demand an explanation.

After being down here in Lousiana for Katrina Recovery, I have not yet gotten into even one of those conversations of WHY? with anyone-- they're just too busy trying to get back to a new normal.

And babies still coo.
Flowers are still pretty (and even growing out of MUCK!!)
A lot of trees have fallen, but most of them still stand and those that do
still wave majestically in the wind.

Instead of complaining when any event disturbs my life on a scale of inconvenience to tragedy, I pray for the wisdom to ask whether or not I NEEDed to be disturbed? or Interrupted?

Why?

Had I stopped noticing the beauty?

Or maybe I started thinking beauty is all there was and needed to be reminded of the realness of suffering?

Actually, I believe this wonderful, miserable world is a balance of both beauty and pain (example: childbirth). It's wonderful because God made it, it's miserable because it's just temporary and God has bent us to need something more than things of this earth.

I know it's too easy to let life happen as it goes, just to be satisfied...

Sometimes I don't pay enough attention to the suffering

And too often, I don't remember to notice the beauty, the things that are too good to be normal.

Normal. That's just where the middle of life is-- beauty on one side and suffering on the other.

I think God invites disiples to visit suffering often and lofty things will result:

1. we get the appreciation of beauty in greater intensity than before. Joy and suffering are a package deal
2. we get to meet people where God is-- in the face of suffering.

He wants there to be a family reunion in places of suffering...

some are doing the suffering

and some relieve suffering, share the burden

Remember Deuteronomy 15:11 "There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

Always poor

Always naked

Always hungry

Always imprisoned (big ups to Kairos LSP)

Always disaster

Always beauty

Always believe

Always hope

Always love

Joshua 1:9 . . .Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."