Pleasant to the Sight

While driving the other day to an appointment, ahead of me I noticed the beautiful mountains in the distance. This is a view I am very familiar with, yet rarely take notice of.

That skyline is not necessarily magazine highlight worthy, but at that moment it actually caught my attention and it seemed beautiful to me, perhaps because of something I’d recently realized.

There is a phrase in the Bible that says, “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food….” (Genesis 2:9, Italics added).

Did you notice that “pleasant to the sight” was stated before “good for food?” One of the purposes of creation is to fulfill our esthetic needs as well as our practical needs. Food alone is not enough. Clothing, shelter is not enough.

We have a longing and a need for beauty. Appreciating the wonders and joys of nature are what make us human and make our lives rich and fulfilling.

But how often do we miss the beauty that surrounds us and deny ourselves of its rejuvenating power?

And yes, there is power in recognizing and appreciating the beauty around us.

“All things are made for the benefit and use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart, to strengthen the body and enliven the soul.” (Doctrine & Covenants 59:16-19)

As I thought about what it means to enliven the soul, I thought of those times when my spirit has been touched by the beauty of nature or of witnessing or experiencing the goodness in another. I also recognized the many times when I missed seeing those special times and therefore missed out on the enlivening power that was available to me.

Are you fully taking advantage of the daily gifts that God’s creations offer you? Do you believe it would fortify you against discouragement if you did? I most definitely do!

I invite you to consciously look and see, to notice and stand in awe of and to enjoy God’s creations, daily so that you might be renewed, replenished and fortified.

With love,