The Beauty Of The Lord

Psalm 27:4 – One thing I ask of the Lord, that I will seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

There is a famous tale about the visitor who went to the great cathedral at Chartres while it was being built. Spying some men cutting stone, he asked them, "What are you doing?" They replied, "Cutting stone. Can't you see?" Spotting others cutting stained glass, he asked, "What are you doing?" They replied, "Cutting glass of course." Then noticing an old woman sweeping up the rubble of broken glass and bits of stone, he asked her, "What are you doing?" She replied, "I'm building a cathedral to the glory of God."

The cathedral we build will not be made of stone and glass, of course, but of human minds and hearts. Much of the work is tedious and difficult. Daily routines have their meaning when seen as part of the great enterprise of building a cathedral for the glory of God. Perspective is what gives meaning to the dry, dull aspects of work. Can you 'see' the larger working out of God's play through the daily events of your life? It may give you a new perspective on life if you do.

Prayer: Give us eyes to see that we are part of the work and witness of your church in our communities and around the world and that we can add to the beauty of the body of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.