January 13, 2020

My 2020 Key Word Chose Me by Wendy L. Macdonald


In my December newsletter, I wrote about how I chose my key word for 2020. Actually, it chose me. And now that I’ve already begun focusing on it in both my journal writing, and in my poetry, I’ve realized it’s a healing word too.

You see, 2018 & 2019 brought me face to face with the ugly in others and me. I was forced to recognize that although I had forgiven stuff I suffered in childhood, I was withholding forgiveness for present pains inflicted upon my family and me.

Forgiveness is beautiful. It’s the opposite of hate—which is ugly.

My key word for 2020 is beauty.

Beauty brings me closer to God when I focus on it. No matter what’s happening to and around us, beauty may be found if we intentionally seek it.

When Jesus hung on the cross—blood dripping, flesh ripping—he was the most beautiful person who ever lived and died in the moment He said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Oh, my goodness. We have been forgiven too much not to turn the other cheek too. How can we not choose to forgive our enemies when we’re only here for a short few years compared to an eternity with Jesus in heaven? No matter what wounds we’ve suffered in this life, the Lord has promised us that our in-the-moment-sufferings aren’t worthy to be compared with the beauty that’s coming.

Yes, beauty means focusing on what’s to come and thereby allowing the beauty of the Lord to break through the ugly stuff happening around us. No, it doesn’t mean standing still while someone tosses shovelfuls of manure in our face. It means we don’t toss it back. We forgive instead of retaliate; so, perhaps then, the coals of conviction may burn away the ugliness of hate to reveal Christ’s redeeming beauty: Love. 

And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3 NIV

I’m nosy-to-know if you’ve recently noticed God’s beauty in the middle of the not-so-lovely?

Blessings of His beauty ~ Wendy Mac
     

12 comments:

  1. Holy, holy, holy...amen.

    In answer to your question: yes!

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    1. That's wonderful, Sandi. :) Thank you.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  2. Thanks for this 'beautiful' reminder, Wendy. God bless.

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    1. Thank you, dear Tracy. Yesterday I was reminded of God's beauty through two bald eagles calling from a tall evergreen tree.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  3. Love this Wendy: “the Lord has promised us that our in-the-moment-sufferings aren’t worthy to be compared with the beauty that’s coming.

    Yes, beauty means focusing on what’s to come and thereby allowing the beauty of the Lord to break through the ugly stuff happening around us”. I find it’s too easy to get dragged down by the fears and the things happening around us. It is so good remember the beauty of the Lord. Thank you Wendy!
    Pam Mytroen

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    1. Thank you, dear Pam. On "ugly" weather days, my husband and I hunt for beauty in nature at the beach. Finding beauty causes me to give thanks and praise to our Creator. God is always good, God is always beautiful.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  4. Amen, Wendy. I love your word for this year, and I am so thankful that we get to share in it with you, as you pour out your words and photos. I am praying that I will be more open to look and receive His beauty this year also. Blessings to you!

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    1. Thank you, dear Bettie. Our openness to His beauty turns the key in the lock of lovely opportunities to witness it. I'm amazed at the places God's beauty shows up. Enjoy, my friend.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  5. Beauty is always a great concept to focus on. You've also referred to forgiveness several times. Beauty comes as we clear our hearts and minds when we forgive others. Have a great year, Wendy!!

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    1. Thank you, dear Sandi. Yes, forgiveness makes room for beauty to flourish. It's the greatest gift to give and receive.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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  6. Yes, yes, yes! This reminded me to seek beauty in even my difficult relationships. As I marvel at each new discovery when I am with my new little grandson, I am reminded that we all begin freshly innocent and without fault. May I look for that beauty, uniquely given in each individual I interact with, especially those who challenge my patience!

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    1. Thank you, dear Denise. I agree it's wise to "look for that beauty ... given in each individual" we meet because they sense our positiveness and tend to rise higher in their behavior because of it. Love is always the winning way.
      Blessings ~ Wendy Mac

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