Beauty Abounds in Summer - Prasanta's Newsletter

Jul 23, 2022

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Beauty Abounds in Summer
Chai Chats - July 23, 2022

Beauty Abounds in Summer

Dear ,

If you’re new around here, I write about belonging and identity, loneliness, feeling like an outsider, and finding beauty in this broken yet beautiful world. I’m so happy you’re here as part of this community and that you’re part of this journey, too.

I’m constantly surprised by summer—by the amazing bounty of lush grass, verdant leafy trees, a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers blooming in every direction, and an abundance of sunshine. I LOVE summer. I’m amazed that anything beautiful can come out of the ground after such long, harsh, bitterly cold and snowy winters.

I need that reminder, constantly, season after season. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we have the regularity of the seasons: to remind us of what’s possible, that beauty can come after harshness, difficulties, and tragedies, to remind us that something lovely can burst forth from a place we least expect, from the hardness of a place that looks barren, like a winter landscape. Creation is visibly and gloriously alive in summer!

Have you taken in the beauty of something new around you? Maybe it is in the natural world, but maybe it’s not. Maybe it’s a newborn baby in your family. Maybe it’s a new, exciting project at work. Maybe it’s a new book you’ve been delighting in. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh, new school supplies and sharpened pencils. Maybe it’s the aroma of an old book that you’ve just cracked open. Maybe it’s a juicy peach or a ripe blueberry. Much beauty abounds, even in the littlest of things.

Even in the brimming beauty of summer, it’s not uncommon for folks to feel alone. Feeling alone or lonely isn’t confined to certain seasons or times of the year. We can feel lonely at any time of the year. But just maybe delighting in something of beauty can help assuage that lonely feeling. I know it helps me.

Last week, I found myself in Minnesota, near a serene lake. I heard the call of a loon in the distance and watched herons swoop down on the shores. My eyes and soul feasted on the beauty of those scenes, scenes I don’t see everyday.

Finding those places of beauty, even if it’s in our own backyard, or while taking a walk, is a simple practice, but one that can yield bountiful results. These can be as simple as watching the sunlight patterns dance on the floor, watching a loved one laugh, reading beautiful words in a book, marveling at ants scurrying along in the dirt, observing a child learn how to ride a bike, inhaling the fragrance of a rose, having a talk with a good friend, watching fireflies light up at dusk, or discovering new music. And so much more. The list really is endless.

These may seem simple, but are profound ways we find meaning, hope, and beauty in our world. Beauty does abound, if we stop for a moment to notice. These moments and scenes can help us, if we’re feeling alone, lost, wandering, or wondering to not feel as alone as before. Even if I don’t “feel” it at first, saying thanks for what beauty is around me and adopting a practice at noticing can nudge those feelings to the forefront.

With that in mind, here is a prayer of gratitude for beauty.

***

A Prayer of Gratitude for Beauty

God, thank you for beauty! In each season, we see different aspects of the beauty of creation.

In summer, all of creation seems wondrously alive! From the earth bursting forth in beautiful colors to creatures scurrying about and the birds singing—we are witness to some of your most exquisite creativity.

As we walk in our neighborhoods, in parks, swim in lakes and oceans, observe majestic trees and forests, eat magnificent fruits and vegetables that grow from seed, bask in beautiful sunsets, God, we stand amazed. Amazed by you, your creativity, and the beauty of the world around us which is a reflection of you.

Thank you for creating this beautiful earth for us to play in, live in, work in, and wander in. We cry, laugh, and live amongst breathtaking beauty. Beauty is important to you. You wanted us to be surrounded by it.

Thank you for giving us this physical space. The skies, the clouds, the sun, the stars, and all of the earth is an incredible gift. Help us to feel a little less lonely knowing you made this all for us to enjoy and that you delight in watching us enjoy the magic and beauty of creation.

Amen.

Image source: Unsplash

Writing News

I’m honored to have a few devotionals in an upcoming new edition of The Message Women’s Devotional Bible, published by NavPress! I’ll keep you updated on when that new edition will be released.

Do you have an ethnic name or one that is different from those around you? Celebrate your name and your ethnic and racial identity. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are beautiful. Do you believe this about you? It’s true! (Click the photo to watch the reel.)

It would make my day to hear from you. Hit reply and let me know what beauty you’re witnessing around you. If you’re making your way through the 30 Prayers for When You Feel Lonely and Left Out eBook, I’d love to hear how that’s going, too.

Also, what would like to see from me in this newsletter? I want this to be a resource for you; hit reply to this email and let me know! I will respond (though it may take a day or two.)

Until the next Chai Chat newsletter, make it a lovely one!

Warmly,
Prasanta

Image source: Prasanta Verma

Thank you for being here! If this is your first newsletter from me, you probably subscribed from my website, signed up for the prayer Ebook, for a giveaway, my Chai Recipe, or other resource. I’ll share helpful links, resources, and inspiration regularly. If this newsletter encouraged you in some way, would you consider sharing with a friend? (Make sure you check your spam folder and move this email to your inbox!)

Until the next Chai Chat!

Make it a lovely one,
Prasanta

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