I
paused again, reconsidering whether I had all
my facial bases covered. Disappointed, I had
to admit for the second time in less than two
minutes that I did not require even one addition
to my beauty supply store. I finished perusing
the remainder of the newspaper. Then, while
folding it to stack onto my used paper shelf,
I spied the same colorful ad enticing me to
reconsider my decision. This is ridiculous,
I thought to myself. I'm not thirteen years
old nor am I a forty-something prima donna wanna-be.
Puzzled,
I continued to muse about why I am so drawn
to that which enhances beauty or creates an
illusion of its existence.
Strange,
given my personality. I rarely spend more than
thirty minutes from the moment I step into the
shower to when I walk out the door on my daily
ministrations. Yet, like most women I know,
I find lotions, perfumes, facial make-up, and
hair accessories mesmerizing.
Likewise,
I can hardly resist lighting a fragrant candle
or rearranging a vase full of fresh flowers
to their best advantage. I spy a silk blouse
that would look perfect on a friend and I have
a difficult time walking away. I love to surround
myself and those I care about with expressions
of beauty.
I
decided to study what the Bible had to say on
the subject. I came away from my study surprised
and somewhat relieved.
The
Bible helps explain the timeless feminine quest
for beauty. Its primary emphasis is, of course,
on inner beauty. The writer of Proverbs repeatedly
warns women against becoming obsessed with enhancing
their outer self to the detriment of their inner
spiritual loveliness. Preoccupation with external
beauty can render us fruitless by distracting
us with worthless goals. The Bible exhorts all
of us - women and men - to focus on our relationship
with God and service to others as our top priorities,
not an inversely preoccupied plan of self-improvement.
Still,
as individuals endowed with inventive natures,
women echo creative expressiveness as we attempt
to introduce beauty not only into our surroundings,
but also on and in our very person. The fact
is - women are wired for beauty. Used rightly,
responsibly, and in right priority, this can
be a powerful asset.
Even
a fleeting glance at the great masterpiece of
divine artwork expressed in nature shows that
God values beauty in all its diversity. As women
learn to embrace the lovely gifts of beauty,
we can better appreciate why we yearn for such
reminders of holy and untainted purity all around
us.
This
also explains our drive to recreate beauty in
our environment. Our intuition and sensitivity
can be channeled to elevate a higher standard
of beauty in our families and communities.
The
Bible affirms that certain creature comforts
can be spiritually rejuvenating. "Perfume
and incense bring joy to the heart..."1.
So
go ahead - buy that pumpkin spiced candle, or
a new tube of lipstick, or that kitchen wallpaper
that mimics a country garden. Create! Emote!
Fabricate! Imagine! God underscores our efforts
to usher beauty into the world around us.
As
we appreciate the value of beauty, we can take
advantage of opportunities in the home, community
or workplace to enrich the lives of others with
caresses of beauty. It may be taking a few extra
moments to cut some fresh flowers to grace a
sterile office, or setting out a fragrant bowl
of potpourri to revive the spirit, or settling
down with a luxurious hand lotion for some needed
therapeutic remedy.
Of
course, we must be careful to avoid becoming
obsessed with external expressions of beauty.
Should we waste hours a day in front of the
mirror, or obsessing about buying new things
for our homes? Obviously not. But if keep our
hearts focused on God and ready to serve others,
we can bring joy and beauty to others and to
our environment. Don't fight against your God-given
love of beauty, learn to work with it and use
it to make the world a better place.
Practical Suggestions for Creating Beauty
|
1.
|
Bring something from the outdoors inside.
Choose fresh-cut flowers, assorted seashells,
or colorful gourds and make them the
centerpiece on your kitchen table or
give them to a neighbor or co-worker.
|
|
2.
|
Light a candle. Select the most fragrant
type available and make it a point to
light one regularly for a double sensory
impact.
|
|
3.
|
Hang a wind chime. Choose a chime made
of wood or metal, then close your eyes
and relax.
|
|
4.
|
Listen to soothing music. Unwind to
some carefree musical selections as
you work around home.
|
|
5.
|
Take a quick assessment in the mirror
and decide upon one area to focus on.
Pluck those brows, use a moisturizing
facial cream nightly, or buy a pot of
tinted, flavored gloss.
|
|
6.
|
Try a new recipe twice monthly. Borrow
the latest cookbooks from the library
and plan a culinary feast to share with
others.
|
|
7.
|
Exercise away the blues. Spend at least
twenty minutes daily walking, running,
weight lifting, or doing a stretching/strengthening
program.
|
|
8.
|
Commune with God. Take time daily to
read and meditate upon God's Word. Let
His words restore your spirit.
|
|
9.
|
De-stress with gardening. Start small
and invest some quiet moments digging
around in the dirt.
|
|
10.
|
Smile. Your greatest gift of beauty
to others comes from your heart.
|
Michele Howe is a freelance
writer who lives in LaSalle, Michigan.
Contact Michele at: jhowe@toast.net
1
Prov. 27:9
Do
you know God personally? Read:
Peace with God
