He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
“You must do something to make the world more beautiful” instructs
Alice’s grandfather in the children’s book “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney*. Alice,
the titular Miss Rumphius, accomplishes much during her lifetime but her
grandfather’s charge sticks with her. By the end of the book, Miss Rumphius has
become responsible for fields of lupine, planted all over her island community.
I like this for a few reasons:
We can all contribute to beauty in the world, regardless of
income level, age, gender. Beauty can be many things, due in part to that
oft-repeated phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. What beauty can
one contribute? What can you do for others? What “beauty” can you share that
may make someone’s life more beautiful? What simple thing can you do to make
someone feel loved? What far-reaching impact can you set in motion with just a kind work or deed? In what ways can you act for justice in the world and your community?
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that there are many
ways to “do something to make the world more beautiful”. Whether it’s being
kind, working for social justice, giving generously to causes we believe in,
volunteering where and when we can, sharing a smile, loving unconditionally, or
even something like planting a field of flowers. Guide us to know when and how
we can share the beauty of knowing you with others. Amen.
Donna Gustafson
*I recommend this children’s book, most recent
edition shown below.
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