This small box has always been on my nightstand beside my bed. When I received my first professional camera I took what I thought was a mundane picture. It turned out to be one of my favorites. It is a constant reminder that there really is beauty all around you if you just have eyes to see it. 

We can be all too quick to get life moving forward to its next logical step. The problem with this kind of functioning is that it can rob us of the ‘beautiful now’.  I find within me, that same temptation to ever be on the move. I have discovered that stillness, silence, and reflection can help me find these moments to treasure. These special moments create gratefulness for what we have, not a longing for what we want. When was the last time you sat in silence? When was the last time you simply reflected on all of the blessings you have instead of all of the things you wished you had? 

As I have said, my bed is right by this box and I have some things that I have had to adjust in my moments late at night. Instead of being angry that I am not sleeping well, I have learned to be grateful that I have a wonderful person lying next to me. Instead of being frustrated by the recurring dream I have, where I am unprepared for a college test, I am grateful for the fact that I have a degree. These are moments for either lament or thankfulness; the determining factor is our own perspective. Proper reflection and a heart that is seeking ‘Beautiful’ will lead you to these amazing conclusions.

What stillness, silence, and reflection do, is help us embrace the moments right in front of us. They allow us time and space to be introspective and to find these moments to treasure that will encourage our hearts if we allow it. God help us learn to stop long enough to breathe and be thankful for what we have, who we are, and what we get to do.

^“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18