Beauty for the soul

Never miss an opportunity to see something beautiful – for beauty is God’s handwriting. – Unknown

Over the last few days, I’ve been feeling a bit tired and downhearted. When I prayed this morning and spoke to God about it, it dawned on me: over the last few months, I’ve been planning and organising a great deal and working hard on the boat. That was good, but it’s not what makes my soul blossom. My soul blossoms when it sees beauty.

It’ll be a while yet before the boat’s finer details come to the fore – even though it’s lovely that the roof’s now been painted and the floors are in. But the really beautiful, creative touches usually come at the end – so that’ll take a while yet. But if my soul needs to create beauty, it lacks the strength when there is nothing beautiful to create.

I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t do something about it – once I’ve realised something.

• Just before the market closed, I bought 30 colourful tulips to brighten up my flat.
• I want to plant some flowers on my balcony soon
• I spent a few hours just tidying up on the ship – there’s beauty in that too.
• I gave some boxes of rubbish to friends who’d come by car….
• I’m planning to go to the seaside for four days over Easter with a friend – to take a break and soak up the beauty.
• I want to listen to and enjoy beautiful music.
• I fancy a bit of pampering now and then… even if my shipbuilder’s hands are probably beyond saving.
• I’ve put up a picture that a friend of mine who’s an artist, JJohn Raux, which I’ve borrowed and really like.
• I hope to learn more about eBay and Amazon can sell – for me, creating space is also a form of beauty.