“…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11

Everyday Mommy has a weekly feature called “Everyday Things,” “designed to encourage all of us to embrace contentment and to appreciate the everyday things which we often take for granted.” I’ve read a few of these in the past weeks, but this is my first time to participate. It’s a good exercise — as the verse says, we learn to be content — unfortunately, it doesn’t come naturally.

So, as I considered what everyday things I could appreciate and be content with, the first thing that came to mind was the beauty God put all around us. I don’t often see sunsets or sunrises because I’m usually indoors when they occur, but sometimes when I pass a window at the right time, I stop and gaze for a few minutes, and think, “Wow!” To think that goes on in my sky every day and I forget about it!

Once I happened to look out a window and caught sight of ivory dogwood blossoms against a blue, blue sky. I was caught in that same moment of awe and wonder.

I’m not a gardener, but I love to look at the roses that have survived my negligence or the hydrangea bush planted by previous owners as I pass by on my way to the car or the mailbox. I love the juxtaposition of colors, the intricacy of the petals. Even a little tiny flower on a weed has such fine detail and grace.

I love to drive through the neighborhood when everything starts blooming in the spring (even though allergies do come with the blooms) or when the leaves start turning in the fall. There are some areas, especially near hillsides covered with trees in various shades of autumn, where I nearly have to pull over or remind myself to keep my eyes on the road and not get lost in the beautiful range of colors.

God not only puts beauty in nature; He has given to some the gift of creating beauty, in music, art, literature, or even the simple arrangement of food on a platter or the placement of a handful of flowers in a vase on table. Even beauty in a secular setting turns my gaze toward the God who created beauty.

He could have made everything matter-of-fact and utilitarian. But He took the time to create beauty in everyday things. Part of the reason must be because of His character. But I think another part of the reason might be to remind us of Him, to turn our thoughts to Him throughout the day.

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies…
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of thankful praise.