Welcome my friend! Come on in for a time of reflection together while we enjoy our cuppa & treats. Today we’re reflecting upon the most extraordinary beauty of all.

I have baked us a gf Blueberry & Coconut Almond loaf sliced, toasted & with a hint of butter melting upon its deliciousness. There’s coffee or a selection of teas for you to choose.

It’s been rather strange weather here on the east coast of Australia for our Spring with very cold nights & hot days, now back to cold days & nights! We have a total fire ban in place at the moment as everything is very dry, we have entered Bush Fire season.

Now we’re settled let’s begin…

What is Beauty?

It is said that Beauty is in the eye of the beholder & while that’s true, there is a certain Beauty that all would agree is extraordinary.

As I mentioned above it’s Spring here in Australia, a few weeks ago our garden exploded with breathtaking colours of blooming Rhododendron, Azaleas, African Daises & Bougainvillea.

However, these are all gone now & their beauty has been replaced by dried brown remains which look a bit sad in our front garden.

The Oxford definition of Beauty is;

‘a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.’ 

However, it’s a different story in our back yard as there is a transformation in progress.

We have the most beautiful Jacaranda in full bloom at the moment, it had dropped all of its tiny leaves & small buds appeared, then if on cue the blooms all appeared at once!

And the most extraordinarily beautiful display of Lilac hue has appeared which can even be seen a block away!

The Bougainvillea in our backyard has also just bloomed with a striking deep Pink, such a beautiful contrast to the Lilac of the Jacaranda. Complimenting each other in their beauty!

These events had me pondering…

What is the true measure of beauty?

For the beauty of Spring blooms seem so fleeting, we have but a short display of them in all their glory & then their gone as quickly as they came!

Leaving dead brown & dying blooms on the plant itself or scattered upon the ground.

I can hear you say, but Jennifer this is the nature of things, we have seasons for everything. And I agree!

But hasn’t it made you pause & wonder whether beauty can ever be permanent & what shape, form or colour it would take if so?

Permanent Beauty

Over my lifetime I have come across many different people, as I’m sure you have my friend.

And there are some who just stand out from the crowd & it isn’t necessarily because of their outer beauty but because of their inner beauty.

I’m sure as you’re reading this, one of those people in your life will come to mind. It may be a person who was gave you much kindness when you needed it or the One who supported you through a time of great stress, trauma or grief.

I can actually think of two who truly stand out, you met these ladies in my post Penang, Pearl of the Orient. Their names were Betty & Lois, these ladies had a permanent beauty that was evident to all who met them.

They exuded ‘something’ I couldn’t quite put my finger on when I first met them but it was ‘a something’ that I knew I wanted.

They shone a light that was so bright. Yes, they definitely stood out from the crowd & what was amazing is that this beauty didn’t fade.

In fact it actually grew brighter & more beautiful as time went by, right up to the day they stepped into Heaven!

How do we get this type of Beauty?

Well, let’s look at the following wisdom;

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.

Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3: 3-4

Ahhhh, so it all has to do with God. In fact it all has to do with His Son, Jesus. As seen in the following;

‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord (Jesus), who is the Spirit (Holy).’  2 Corinthians 3:18 

Looking back & forward

You see when I look back over four decades ago I can see a different Jennifer, one who was shy, lacked confidence, had little self worth & viewed the world through far different lenses then today.

Oh if you knew me back then, you may have thought I was quite a likeable person but maybe a little shy & quiet.

And I’m sure that’s what Betty & Lois saw through their wise & experienced lenses in Christ. However, they also knew what transformation, comfort & beauty Jesus can have in a life.

And you know what? That God appointed meeting changed not only my life but the lives of my daughters…as well as all the generations that have come since & will continue until Jesus’ return.

For God has promised a beauty beyond measure in His following promise;

“… showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:6

You see my friend, there are many forms of beauty as the Oxford definition above described. But the most extraordinary beauty of all & one that is permanent only comes from God Himself.

If you haven’t yet found this beauty & you would like to read a short excerpt about part of my journey before you choose to go on your own then read Here.

Until next time,

Jennifer

You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

Or in Prayer

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