A Reposted Article
by Dennis Ensor
There is always beauty around us. Even in our most dire moments, it is there. To see it we are often required to be very intentional, to filter out the garbage. It is subtle, subdued. But, I don’t want to focus on that kind of beauty right now—the kind of beauty we have to seek to find.
Instead, just for a moment, I want to dwell on beauty that is so unbelievably magnificent that it screams at the top of its lungs to the highest heavens, and we cannot help but stop to take it in. It is a beauty that blows us away. By its very nature it commands us to be still. Here are three such moments of beauty in my life–moments that I’ve captured, with my camera, and want to share with you now, to the glory of God.
The first is a picture I took in Kansas on some land I’m blessed to own with one of my sons. Though I’ve been on that land on a hundred occasions, there was one particular time, for a few fleeting moments, that stands far above all others. It was a moment when God’s creation came together in a way that my words cannot even begin to describe. Fortunately, for me and now for you, I had a camera and was able to capture enough of it that we can enjoy it today. I never tire of this picture. In fact, it is one of two desktop background pics I use for my computer monitor. It just screams of God’s glory to me every day.
The second picture-moment jumped out at me as I was driving down a country highway near my home. It was a fresh, quiet, foggy morning in central Texas. The scene that captured me was of an old abandoned house, set back off the road, shrouded in fog. After passing the house and driving a half mile down the road, I decided that I could not pass up the opportunity to take this picture. (There is a lesson in there somewhere.) So I turned around and locked it in. It was a special moment—so quiet, peaceful. God blessed me by placing that scene before me this day. And though I’ve driven by that same house many times since, it has never been the quite the same.
A third favorite is of a county road that joins that country highway. I am blessed to drive down this road on almost a daily basis. It leads to my home. It is, or should I say, “was” incredible. Unfortunately, about a year ago the electric co-op took down the trees on one side because they were interfering with the power lines. It just made me sick. Because of that, in one way I experience a sense of loss every day. In another, I’m so thankful that I had the privilege of enjoying it while it lasted. This is the other picture that I use on my desktop. I use the fall version, which in some ways is even more incredible, on my smart phone. So, I get to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation daily.
Though the moments represented by these three pictures are rare, they are the mountaintop experiences that bring joy for a lifetime. They represent God’s magnificent creation, his wisdom and power. They also bring to mind a few verses in the Bible which describe a different kind of “over the top” magic—not just what one would call “beauty,” but “awe-inspiring beauty.” Meditate for a moment on the following verses. Take in the power they reveal:
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Luke 6:38 (NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
May God bless you as you dwell on the beautiful things in your life today.
Copyright © 2014, Dennis Ensor, all rights reserved, Article posted with permission of author. Images curtesy of Dennis Ensor. All rights reserved. Scripture from The Holy Bible, New International and King James Version.
Dennis Ensor is the author of three books: Texas Pioneer Chronicles: The Life and Times of the Ensor, Kelso and Crim Families Since 1856, The Good News From God: A Fresh Perspective on The Bible, Christianity, Church and Life (which can be downloaded, free of charge from the Breath of Life website), and his newest offering, Taking Another Look at New Testament Christianity (which he recommends to all his Christian friends. Go to tal.dennisensor.com for a free preview of the book.) These are available at any time from Amazon.com.
