Looking For Lovely and Creating a List ⋆ A Delightful Glow

I don’t want to know Jesus only for what He can do for me.

I want to know Jesus because of what He has already done for me.

Emmanuel. God with us.

Luke 7:16-17 ~
“Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.”

Hope is a beacon, a light in shadows, a way not quite seen, a grace unwavering, a strengthening of soul, a glory light, a sustainer in the storm.

Following light. Noticing light. Holding delight. These are ways of marking the pathway. Leaving a trail toward hope. A fellow wayfarer coming along can find their way in the touchstones we stand up.

Part of creating touchstones and fighting back against the darkness involves giving gratitude, seeking beauty, and counting the courage to hunt down happiness. My daughter tells me she read this in a book by Emilie Barnes, “Life is 5% joy, 5% sorrow, and 90% maintenance.”
It captures well the essence and endurance of living a life. The secret is finding ways to flourish in the mundane maintenance of every good day.
Looking for lovely, if you will. Growing that 5% so it multiplies and spills over giving the 90% a sparkly wash. It’s pausing to sip tea. Taking time for hugs. Sending money to help tornado victims. Remembering the gift of home as I scrub stuck-on spots off of counters, once again. Pausing and creating a list.

Lovely looks like…
• cozy home
• twinkle lights
• people we love

Lovely sounds like…
• violin + Christmas hymns
• whistling teakettle
• rustling wrapping paper

Lovely feels like….
• curling fingers around a hot coffee mug
• wrapping up in a fleecy throw
• sunshine against cheeks

Lovely smells like…
• fir + spruce
• cinnamon + nutmeg
• orange + clove

Lovely tastes like…
• warm butterhorns + honey butter
• hot apple spice tea
• crunchy party mix

Lovely is knowing what Jesus has done for me and what His name Emmanuel promises. With Us. Always. In the 5% joy. The 5% sorrow. And the 90% of maintenance.

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