" I implore you, my child; observe heaven and earth, consider all that is in them, and acknowledge that God made them out of nothing (ex nihilo), and that mankind comes into being in the same way..." 2 Maccabees 7:28

Monday, August 25, 2008

A Different Beautiful

I was at a gallery in San Francisco the other day- a photographer had taken a series of photos at an indian reservation in Arizona. Arizona is known for beauty, but yet it's not a place I would've thought to go for a vacation, at least not before I saw these photos. Canyons and caverns and shafts of light in dark places and reflections on water- it was all very mysterious.

It struck me there that my life is something like this- strangely beautiful in a different kind of way. It is not the life I dreamed I would be living ten years ago, but there is something exciting about having a clear palatte to paint upon as well. At times I still feel the need to grieve that the plan for my life is looking so different than the lives of my friends around me, but that can be a thrill as well. Uncharted territory, you know.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm reminded of that part of The Lord of the Rings where Sam wonders if songs will be sung about them. He realizes that people who are in great stories never feel like they're doing dramatic or song-worthy things. All they know is the difficulty and the uncertainty. It's we who read or hear their stories who see the glory in them.

And it's those who see our lives from the outside who see the song that God is singing through us.

Anonymous said...

A number of years ago I was traveling and spent some time in Arizona and I know what you mean. I was in the midst of the desert and was missing the green that was so prevelant at my home. I prayed "Lord, I am missing what I know, but you have me here for a purpose. Help me to see the beauty that is around me instead of the dry, arid land." It was then that I began to see the colors of the desert. The flowers which were so different and yet no less beautiful. I am confident that when we ask, our Lord will give us the "new eyes" to see what He wants to show us and the comfort to take into our hearts all that He desires to give us.

Anonymous said...

I love Arizona. It holds such a special place in my heart. I, literally, ran away there and became a woman there. I hope you go and visit it someday.

As far as your post, I understand. Oh, how I understand.

About Br. Robert's note... I love it and will steal it (I steal a lot of his notes) as if it is meant for me.