As I look around at this world we live in it's very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you'll see the beauty around you...it's not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

As I look around at this world we live in it’s very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you’ll see the beauty around you…it’s not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

As I look around at this world we live in it's very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you'll see the beauty around you...it's not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

 

When Dalton and I go on our morning walks I love to take pictures of the beauty that we see. There’s almost always something new and fun to see each and every day – beautiful flowers, frolicking rabbits and much, much more.

Much like our morning walks, our lives have beauty all around them and sometimes (okay, most of the time) we have to look for it.

Here are three types of beauty that we should actively be looking for!

1. Beauty of Nature

This one is a no-brainer but truly how often do we intentionally look for the beauty of nature. Get out and find a new walking trail, take your kids to the park to explore or just get outside.

Earlier this year we started going to a duck pond by our church. Most Sundays after church we head over to feed the ducks. It’s so nice not only to get out of our “normal” but to sit and look around at the beauty of the pond, plants and the animals.

Mix up your routine, my friend! Go for a drive, take a second look at the beautiful sky at sunset, and look for the beauty of nature.

 

As I look around at this world we live in it's very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you'll see the beauty around you...it's not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

2. Beauty of Family

My dad passed away a few years ago and there are times when I’d love to sit and chat with him or ask his opinion on life matters, but I can’t. Many times it takes a tragic accident or losing a family member before we realize how important our family really is. Don’t let this happen to you – be intentional now to look for the beauty of your family.

My heart aches when I’m sitting at a restaurant and see families on their devices and not interacting with each other. I often look at Trent and say, “They’re having a great conversation aren’t they?” (Don’t get me wrong – I understand that some parents give their children devices so they’ll be quiet in the restaurant.) I’m referring more to adults that are sitting and staring at their screens instead of being present with each other.

Perhaps you don’t have close family around. For you family is your extended family or even adopted family in your area. (I’ve had friends that felt like family.)

Moms, I know there are times when your young child wants to have a conversation with you and you’re tired and drained. Can I encourage you to be intentional about listening now? If you listen now they’ll likely want to chat with you about important life situations when they get older.

Look up from your screen! Turn off the TV! Be intentional with your family…love on them…talk to them!

 

As I look around at this world we live in it's very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you'll see the beauty around you...it's not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

3. Beauty of All that You Have

Unless you’ve been to a third world country you don’t realize how much you have. I’ve been on two different missions trips and they are life changing to say the least. It’s amazing how much we have been blessed with. We take so much for granted that others would love to have.

Years ago when I worked three jobs to make ends meet I would mow my grass on Friday nights (because other than Sundays that was the only time I wasn’t working). On one particular Friday night I had come home exhausted from a long work week and didn’t want to mow the grass. I started to complain about having grass to mow but then the Holy Spirit smacked me on the back of my head and reminded me to be thankful that I had grass to take care of. I’ll never forget that night and how my attitude about mowing my grass forever changed.

Perhaps you find yourself jealous that you don’t have everything that your best friend, sister or neighbor has. Instead of being jealous of what you don’t have, be thankful for what you do have!
As I look around at this world we live in it's very easy to see all of the brokenness and heartache. But if you look closely you'll see the beauty around you...it's not always easy to find but it is out there, my friend!

Please know that I’m talking to myself more than anyone else here. So I want to encourage you to know that you’re not alone and we all struggle.

Get out of your own head. Take off the blinders and look for the beauty in life.

I’ll leave you with this fabulous quote from Eeyore, “It never hurts to look for the sunshine.” He’s so right. What could it hurt to look for the beauty around you!