A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever

“A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever.” John Keats used that phrase in his poem ‘Endymion,’ written in 1818. My bride and I spent about five hours today proving that to be true in our life together. We were wandering through Arches National Park near Moab, UT. It was a bit crowded at the entry gate, but beyond that it was a journey of incredible beauty. We drove from the beginning of the road that runs through the Park to the end as it returns to the starting place. Along the way were an incredible array of  God’s best handiworks. One can see more than imaginable from the roadway, and there are trails that lead to what cannot be seen from the pavement. I walked and climbed and took photos and reminded myself how fortunate I am to be able to do so. Of course, one can see everything from a chair at home by purchasing an expensive book of photos, but that will never compare with touching the very rocks, and seeing with our own eyes God’s gifts to this World.

I am reminded of course, that while this place (Arches NP) is incredible it is only a sampling of the beauty God has poured into His Church. Imagine spending time every week with wonderful people who by the nature of birth are doomed to be separated from God forever by the curse of sin and death. There, in the Body of Christ are the astonishingly beautiful children of God, made magnificent by the gift of redemption and the indwelling Spirit of God, who transforms each of us into HIS (Christ) image. (see Romans 8:29)

God’s Blue Planet – His handiwork in building our incomparable sphere called Earth, the gift of eternal life in Heaven, and His infinite Holiness imparted to us.

A thing of beauty is a joy forever!