Beauty

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17 


What a beautiful week of renewal. We took a break from the world and the everyday activities that multiply into stress. Northern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but I haven’t seen the entire world (yet). I would move here in a heartbeat. The renewal of mind, spirit, marriage, friendship and the simplicity of life is grace. Such peace. All the little things that we deem important don’t really matter and the gratitude of life sets in.

We climbed up to see cliff dwellings yesterday that were incredible to witness and touch. There were little shards of pottery along the way that have been there for hundreds of years that men and women had made and used. When the rains come more pottery washes down from the top of the mesa on to the earth below. Too touch them was inspiring.

Before we went up I kept thinking I am preparing for the trip to Romania, and can I really climb up this path to touch history? Ahead of me was an elderly man with a cane and he just marched right up there, and I found my inspiration. It took away the fear of leaving my family for 10 days to love on children in another part of the world.

One of my favorite things in the world is to look at art. I love to meet the artists on the sidewalks, or in the small towns that are sharing their work for the world to see. Such inspiring beauty. I love walking through ancient ruins that people once lived their lives in. I think about how their life must have been and the only things they did were just to celebrate the beauty of working with their hands to feed their families. No amount of money in the world could give the satisfaction of laboring for the love of a family or friend.
Last night I sat with a friend, his beautiful wife, and daughters that I haven’t seen in years. Just to catch up and share a meal was a gift. A new friendship has formed and we hope for many more years to share that friendship. This my friends is what life is about; to share in our struggles, fears, and laughter at what life is for each of us.

I looked in the eyes of a Native American woman that paints women from her pueblo that are strong and courageous. Talked with her about the beauty of her people that have lived on the land for over 400 years. Met a man that makes the most beautiful jewelry I have ever seen; simple and pure. He had the most beautiful, long black hair that most women would pay big money for, and piercing eyes that kind of twinkle at you. I put on a ring that he said has been blessed by many men of God to carry you forward.

We stood in a church that’s dirt is said to have healing powers. I rubbed the dirt on my hands praying and thanking God for just being able to stand there. I have never felt such peace at that one moment standing in a church that has been there for hundreds of years and healed so many. All along the walls are pictures of friends and loved ones that have sought the healing powers of this amazing gift from God.

I walked through a garden with sculptures that depict the passion of Christ. From the beginning of being handed over to the mockery, the beating, the burden of the cross, the nailing of his hands and feet, to being held by his mother, and then rising from the dead. Such beauty and sorrow at what he gave up for us. I cannot describe the emotion that overcomes one’s soul when you can touch and see what he did.

I am grateful to be able to travel and see the beauty of snowcapped mountains, mesas, ruins of past lives, the mighty Rio Grande, and valleys. I have watched sunrises and sunsets. Sat on benches and just breathed. Held hands with my husband, and remembered why we love each other so much. Beauty is what we make of it when we slow down to look around us. Beauty is what he gave us.