Day 335 - Appreciating the Beauty

When I was in my younger years and I saw an attractive person, rather than looking at them with “lust,” I would say that I was appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.  While I was being funny, I think that there is something deeper in that.  How often do we take time to appreciate the beauty in things?  I love sitting outside looking at the trees or the sky or the water or the stars.  Something about being in a space that is bigger than myself and appreciating wonders that are just so wonderful in their own natural setting….  There is nothing like taking in a sunset or sitting on the beach and enjoying the beauty of the sea.  

But to me, even more beautiful are some of the people I've had the pleasure of meeting and even seeing on the street.  The people of the world are some truly amazing, beautiful creatures if we take time to really look at them.  Unfortunately, a lot of times, we don't take the time to tell them that.  How often do you take the time to compliment a stranger?  How often do we take time to compliment the people we know.  For many people, the only time they compliment someone else is when they are trying to get something from them - they are sucking up to a boss or a person in power, they are trying to get with someone and hoping to win favor through flattery, etc.  

I think it's time that we begin to recognize and compliment the beauty in the people and the world around us.  If you see someone who is wearing a great tie, awesome earrings, killer shoes, a fabulous shirt, or they just catch your eye as an attractive person, don't be afraid to let them know.  Often we are plagued by our own insecurities, and somewhere along the way we got the idea that complimenting someone else will take away from us.  Nothing could be further from the truth - when you acknowledge someone else's beauty, you are showing love, a which enhances your own beauty.

So spread a little love.  Be free with the compliments just because. You never know... you could make someone's day. :-) 

BTW... You're beautiful...