The tagline for my website says, “Intentionally living life looking for ‘a lot of beauty in ordinary things.’” If you have watched The Office, you would be familiar with this phrase: “a lot of beauty in ordinary things.” The last line of the show, my favorite show, you hear the character Pam Halpert say, “There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?” Something that I aim to do in life is seek out the beauty in the every day, to enjoy and be thankful for the little things, to smile more, worry less, and take time to breathe.
As I was reading 1 Peter 3, I nearly tripped on this passage. “For the Scriptures tell us: Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking evil, hurtful words and never deceive in what they say. Always turn from what is wrong and cultivate what is good; eagerly pursue peace in every relationship, making it your prize” (v. 10-11 TPT). In this passage, God is telling us how to find the beauty in each day, the beauty in ordinary things.
What does this passage say we need to do to experience this beauty?
Don’t speak evil.
Don’t lie.
Turn away from evil.
Do good.
Seek out peace and maintain it.
Yes, this is harder than you might think but it is attainable with God. You are not in this alone my friend. God is with you every step of the way. This is the way “to embrace true life and find beauty in each day.” Speak that which is good. Ask yourself — am I speaking good words, helpful words, encouraging words, life giving words? Speak truth. Ask yourself — am I speaking truth, am I saying that which is true? Walk toward that which is good and do good. Ask yourself — is what I am doing good, is it excellent and praiseworthy? Seek out peace and do all that you can to maintain it. Ask yourself — am I doing all that I can to be at peace with others?
What can you do today to see the beauty in the day?
Tania Gutekunst 