I Need Beauty

I need beauty to keep me sane. Without some form of beauty, I get swept away by frustrations, worries, stresses, confusion, and the ever-present reminder that Biola is very expensive. Beauty reminds me that it's all worth it. That all shall be well. That the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. That life will be all the more beautiful when I fight past the worries to find beauty.

"I don't have a fairy tale marriage, but my marriage has fairy tale moments."

~Mr. San Nicolas

A Thing Called Love

"You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands,

But like the wind that covers our land

Strong enough to rule the heart of any man,

This thing called love.

It can lift you up, never let you down,

Take your world and turn it all around...

Ever since time, nothin's ever been found that's stronger than love."

~"A Thing Called Love"

I posted these lyrics and this picture for the reason I wrote about yesterday...beauty. There's nothing inherently didactic about this picture or this song. In fact, both elicit a very emotional response. But both are simply beautiful (at least to me). Both bring hope and joy. I think that is the purpose God gave beauty.

On Beauty

A few months ago, I had the privilege of being a part of a lovely conversation about beauty with some wonderful friends. We had just watched the movie An Education. For most of us, it was our first time watching the it, and it ended with questions, thoughts, and concerns in the hearts of the viewers. We sat in the Reynolds' garage-turned-hang-out-room, cups of tea in hand, curled up on comfy couches. While we let out these responses to the movie, the conversation slowly became one about beauty, instead of about the movie. It was one of the most wonderful moments I have experienced at Biola. I only regret that I spent more energy trying to follow the conversation that actually engaging in it, as I was still learning how to properly discuss ideas.

As we sat discussing what beauty was and our response to it, one idea on the table hit me and has remained with me. My friend Mary Kate mentioned that things could be appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, and not necessarily have any other purpose. She said that sometimes, when she is worn out and discouraged, observing beauty rejuvenates her. It was a wonderful idea, but now I am finally understanding what she meant. Sometimes it isn't the Bible verses or encouraging words from my friends that keep me going when I want to give up. Sometimes it is the pictures taken by my friend Juliet and posted on her blog that keep me going. Sometimes it's a perfectly phrased sentiment, or an analogy that finally helps me understand an abstract concept that keeps me going. Sometimes it is seeing the mountains covered in snow or a valley filled with wildflowers that reminds me that God is bigger and more awesome than I can comprehend. Sometimes I just need beauty to let me know that it will be all right.