I’ve been feeling exhausted. Worn out from what I thought would just be a short detour. Now it appears to be the new road on a long and tiring cross-country journey. Can you relate? The pandemic appears to be just one of the destinations along the way.
Where do we find rescue when the road outstretches our resources?
“Lest we despair, God has given us “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) and to be specific, it includes the restoration of every precious day of our lives. Heaven is not a memory wipe. it is the time and capacity to truly relish the story of our lives, to see the hand of God in it all (how many times angels rescued you), to be vindicated, and even rewarded.”
John Eldredge, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad
In John Eldredge’s book, I found language for a practice I wasn’t even aware I had. One of the everyday practices Eldredge discusses is looking for beauty.
Beauty is one of the richest graces God has provided to heal our souls and absorb his goodness
John Eldredge, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad
While other breaks may offer relief, Beauty restores. I am now calling my practice of morning walks through my neighborhood and my own garden “Beauty Breaks”.
If you look at my phone camera roll you will discover what gets my attention. What I purpose to seek. Beauty in the world around me gets more than a glance. I want to stare at it and absorb its restoration. I want to capture a reminder. I am looking for a tiny piece of creation that will return me to the first garden experience.
Certainly, there are other ways to take a beauty break. I have music playlists that uplift. I use essential oils that remind me of the garden smells I can’t grow or access during winter months. I even follow a Hawaiian Instagram channel to remind me of the beauty I experienced while living there.
But for me it is always the garden that has an immediately restorative effect.
I know where I find rescue. How about you?
Why don’t you stop right now and take a Beauty Break.
Share what you find and how good it feels.
Check Out this FREE App: The One Minute Pause for more ideas on restoring your day and reclaiming life!
Thank you for introducing us to the book by John Eldridge, and to what you call “Beauty Breaks”! I’ve been in the habit of taking those for most of my life. I’ve noticed that the more I become a ready worshipper of God and the more I become an artist, the more I “see” beauty, absorb it, and let it have its impact on me. Daily, my youngest daughter and I watch and record the gorgeous Midwest sunsets, it’s a habit we’ve had since she was so young. It is a precious tradition as allows us a pause and leads to hearts of gratitude no matter what else is going on. Now we know what to call these times. 🙂
I know you take beauty breaks because you turn around and share what you see! A sign of a fellow partaker of beauty breaks! You just can’t keep it to yourself.