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
