Beauty Exposed

Sometimes when the leaves fall

and the tree looks bare,

a beauty is exposed that

we couldn't see before.

As I was out for a walk,

a tree that had lost almost all its leaves

revealed a beautiful pond that likely

wasn't all that visible a week ago.

With the leaves in their rightful place, 

this little pond was probably hidden. 

The Lord so clearly spoke to me

that sometimes things we have

totally enjoyed during one season

may have to look like they have died back

before we see can something new.

As we trust the Holy Spirit to guide us,

we can rest in His desire

to lead us not only to something new,

but to something beautiful.

We just need to have eyes to see.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit 

would make my heart open to goodness, 

make my heart open to the beauty that

He has placed all around me every day.

Especially when some things around me

look like bare trees and scattered leaves.

All of creation reflects the beauty

of the One who created it all.

An old song has been running

through my heart as a reminder to see.

"I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning 

are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say

You're beautiful..."

Phil Wickham