Mom Heart Moments #33

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me . . . to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.

WE CANNOT PASS ON CIVILITY, beauty, intelligence, or excellence of mind and heart if we do not ourselves make these virtues a goal of our lives. As stewards of our souls, we must seek to cultivate a garden of beauty —it must be a regular habit, a discipline, to expose ourselves to great minds, the best musicians, fine artists, great theologians, and wonderful biographies, so that our souls will indeed reflect a museum of His great character and nobility —that of our great King.

There is so much ugliness in our world. The media is expert at creating new ways to celebrate and glorify evil, and it seems almost inescapable. Harsh realities are visually depicted for us on the news, in the papers, and online. If we don’t intentionally pursue and reflect upon beauty, we will miss it as it is drowned out by the negative realities of life.

Creating an atmosphere of beauty, welcome, and hospitality takes work. I believe this is the work women in particular are called to do: to civilize, to make our domains beautiful, to invite others to see the life and glory of God.

Part of what God has done for us through Christ is to transform the way we experience all of life. He changes darkness to light and brings life to dead places!

Can you think of some specific areas of your own life where God has changed ugly things into beautiful ones? Write them down and thank Him!