Life is Beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time. [Ecclesiastes 3:1]

Music often speaks volumes to me. You've probably noticed that I often post youtube videos or song lyrics and this is for good reason. Little can speak the depths of the heart better than music.

Music is often a way that I speak my heart to God too. There are few moments in a day that you could catch me without a song- and usually that song has much to do with what God is doing in me or how He's revealing Himself that day. So, for all of you who aren't here listening to me sing my current obsessive melody in person (Sarah, I'm sure you're so glad you're in that category!)...

There was a young girl long ago

Who lived a peaceful life untold

She understood that love was everything

The jungle took her far away

Where her daddy worked and she would play

With friends who taught her how to be a lady

She had no rings on her fingers

She had diamonds in her eyes

She had no money to be reckoned with

She had love within her life

And I heard her singing..

Wouldn't you say

Wouldn't you say

Wouldn't you say

That life is beautiful

She sang of things that pleased her soul

She questioned life and made it known

She stored her knowledge deep inside her mind

She had no mansions on a hillside

She had castles in the sky

She had no gold for inheritance

She had time on her side

And I heard her singing...

And as the years go by

That peaceful girl was I

And I'm still singing...

Wouldn't you say that life is beautiful

[Michelle Tumes "Life is Beautiful"]

Though I did not actually grow up in a jungle, this song is mine too. I am so rich in the things that matter most. I know enough of the beauty of God that I know I want to seek Him the rest of my days. That's the greatest treasure of all. And second to that, my life is filled with people that please my soul and a world where I can go everywhere and see hints of the Creator that I'm in love with. Ah, the beautiful simplicity and gift we call life.

Today has been a phenomenal day. And it has completed a phenomenal week. To be fair, all weeks are truly wonderful. Every day that I awake in this world is a gift from God and whether the day is ridden with challenges and heartache or blessed obvious beauty, it is still worthy of being rejoiced in and contains the best of God's purposes. Yet, this week just deserves a special round of applause to God for His bountiful favor and gracious gifts.

Why has this week/this day been phenomenal, you may ask? Well, let me boast in the Lord for a moment. First of all, I must recognize that I have been gifted with so much that I often take for granted. Health, for instance. The opportunity to receive an education through which I have learned to read and write- and I have/have had excellent teachers whom I have been privileged to learn from. I have the Bible to read at any time I want and the ability to read it in my own language. I have a house to live in, food to eat, a family that cares about me. I can proclaim Jesus in freedom and communicate with the God of all creation through the priesthood of Christ Jesus who has given me salvation! I am surrounded with the beauty of our God's creativity everywhere I go. I stare out my bedroom window in awe at a gorgeous (albeit currently frozen) lake and sunsets that take my breath away.

On top of all of these things which I do not deserve, this week in particular has been filled with blessed sunshine, a meal of Indian food with a delightful new friend, a multitude of dinner/coffee dates with people who bring so much joy to my life, the start of a new discipleship group with 5 ladies that passionately love Jesus, the best nursing clinical day since I started the nursing program, opportunities to testify to the goodness of God everywhere, and today, a phone date with a dear sister in England whom I adore more than words can express.

Wouldn't you say that life is beautiful?

I'd love to hear how God is blessing your life with His beauty! Let's stand up and praise Him in the assembly. He and the life He has given are beautiful, my darling friends. Beautiful indeed.

PS. Just in case you want the song in your head too, here it is. :-)