Tana and Pretoria are both at an altitude of just less than 1300m. In fact, my first check suggests Tana is 4186 feet and Pretoria is 4173 feet. Amazing - just a 9 foot difference. We have mild winters here. Mostly clear blue skies. A rich blue. With amazing clouds. I am sure my English teacher would love these verbless sentences. What's my point? I love it here. It is beautiful. People can say what they want about the dirt... Tana is beautiful.
I have been reading about the glory of God. I discovered that some translations use the word 'beauty' where others use the word 'glory'. For years I have felt that I do not have a deep enough understanding of what the bible describes as the glory of God. Why did Moses want to see it? Isn't it the scary aweful majesty of his holiness that has sin burning up - like in Raiders of the Lost Ark? Now I am beginning to glimpse a little more. It is Beauty. And the way we are drawn to beauty, captivated by it, called to a standstill just to take it in... this is what God's glory is about. When we hear a fine piece of music, or study the expression on a loved one's face, or see a child at play, and hear the giggles and laughs... when we look at the blue sky of Tana... we know there is such a thing as glory... and it all speaks of God's beauty. Beauty is from God, and whispers of him, calling our attention back to him. Now, like Moses, I would ask boldly... God, show me your glory.
I have been reading about the glory of God. I discovered that some translations use the word 'beauty' where others use the word 'glory'. For years I have felt that I do not have a deep enough understanding of what the bible describes as the glory of God. Why did Moses want to see it? Isn't it the scary aweful majesty of his holiness that has sin burning up - like in Raiders of the Lost Ark? Now I am beginning to glimpse a little more. It is Beauty. And the way we are drawn to beauty, captivated by it, called to a standstill just to take it in... this is what God's glory is about. When we hear a fine piece of music, or study the expression on a loved one's face, or see a child at play, and hear the giggles and laughs... when we look at the blue sky of Tana... we know there is such a thing as glory... and it all speaks of God's beauty. Beauty is from God, and whispers of him, calling our attention back to him. Now, like Moses, I would ask boldly... God, show me your glory.
1 comment:
Hi Kim, Jacques sent me your blog, and I loved it. It reminded me of the writings from John and Stasi Eldredge in the book "Captivating"; they make mention that women are God's most beautiful creation and that the devil's purpose is to destroy/contaminate/cheapen that. They further talk about Beauty as having several "effects" on us, which is so true for me when I think of God and spend time with Him, especially in nature. Beauty: (I can't recall all it does)Invites, draws you close, refreshes, renews, brings peace and joy, and this is true of what you've mentioned about the Glory/Beauty of God (and all He created). If I look at the effect of beauty in nature and the effect of God's presence on me, then beauty and glory goes hand in hand. For beauty brings me to a place of praise and worship, which would be the effect of His glory also! Now, if only I can be united with His "Beauty" for me! Anyway, hope all is well there with you and your near and extended family! Believe it or not, I miss you guys... Jeandre
Post a Comment