Beauty (and Evidence)

I’ve been thinking a lot about beauty lately – in the creation that is all around us, in life itself and in our relationships both casual and intimate.  God, our faith, and the church help put us in touch with beauty.  There is so much to see and discover if only we will open our eyes and spiritual senses.  Beauty is truly a gift!

In my devotional reading I rediscovered this poem by Mary Oliver entitled “Evidence” which shows and says so much in so few words.

Where do I live? If I had no address, as many people
do not, I could nevertheless say that I lived in the
same town as the lilies of the field, and the still
waters. 

Spring, and all through the neighborhood now there are
strong men tending flowers.

Beauty without purpose is beauty without virtue. But
all beautiful things, inherently, have this function -
to excite the viewers toward sublime thought. Glory
to the world, that good teacher. 

Among the swans there is none called the least, or
the greatest.

I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in
singing, especially when singing is not necessarily
prescribed. 

As for the body, it is solid and strong and curious
and full of detail; it wants to polish itself; it
wants to love another body; it is the only vessel in
the world that can hold, in a mix of power and
sweetness: words, song, gesture, passion, ideas,
ingenuity, devotion, merriment, vanity, and virtue.
Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable.

Here’s to seeing and being grateful for unimaginable beauty!

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister