Beauty is #Visual Grace
#Visual Grace
Last week I went with a group of art-loving friends to visit a few art galleries scattered in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I anticipated a day full of rich conversations, fun with friends, good food, and inspiration.
The day did not disappoint.
After a dark and rainy morning, the skies cleared to reveal a glorious view of rays of sun, fluffy clouds, shadows on nearby mountains, and air so clear I felt like I could see for a hundred miles! It was a glorious experience, and I felt it. It was all
Grace
What I didn't anticipate was coming home with a painting ;)
We were walking through a gallery, viewing so many beautiful paintings, when I came upon one that absolutely arrested my full attention. What my eyes took in at that moment shifted my mind, emotions, and body.
I felt the goodness of what my eyes were seeing.
The colors, textures, style, and these sweet ladies were captivating!
To me, it was grace.
Grace, which in Greek is the word Charis, can be translated as favor, benefit, joy, pleasure, and gratitude. And it comes from the heart of God who leans in close, like a father bending low towards a young child, in order to offer goodness.
So, I bought the painting!
Now it can offer grace to me, my family, and anyone who comes to my home for years to come.
Bible teachers and theologians use the phrase, "Means of Grace" to refer to the ways God gave us to receive and experience the benefits of redemption. Some of these ways include the Lord's Table, worship, prayer, Bible study, and community.
And I believe, that among these means of grace, is beauty.
Both the experience of creating beautiful things and the experience of beholding beauty offer the goodness of the Kingdom of God in very tangible ways.
Beauty is visual grace.
I look forward to sharing more about visual grace in the weeks to come!
Until then, I want to encourage you to avail yourself of this means of grace.
~ Go for a walk and feast your eyes on the colors of Autumn.
~ Go to a gallery or museum and enjoy the creative work of other people.
~ You can go to my website, like I do with my favorite artists, and just scroll through their available art.
~ Also, take time to create something.
When you're posting pictures of anything beautiful on social media, use the hashtag #visualgrace!
I look forward to searching it and enjoying the beauty that you find and post!
Blessings,
Melissa
melissajoymiller.com
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