By Haley Lewis | FāVS News Columnist
There have been times in my life when I’ve really questioned things — deep things like the universe, God and the meaning of life itself. When I was 24 (11 years ago), I went through what I now recognize as a mental health crisis.
During that time, I found myself questioning nearly everything I believed. Thoughts spiraled through my head constantly: If God said this, then why that? If heaven is our true home, does that mean I’m wrong for enjoying life here on Earth?
My brain would get stuck on feelings of guilt for simply finding joy in small things — laughter, music or time spent with friends. I wondered, If our real home is in heaven, is it wrong to enjoy our temporary home here?
But as I began to look deeper into Scripture, I realized how often the Bible celebrates the beauty of creation — from the heavens and earth in Genesis 1:31 (“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good”) to the psalms that marvel at the wonders of nature.
I reached out to two relatives, who work in the church and are well-versed in the Bible, and they both reminded me that, yes, we are meant to enjoy life and the world God created. Joy itself can be an act of worship. It is a fruit of the spirit after all.
What I’ve taken from those conversations is this: It’s OK to delight in the beauty and goodness of life on this earthly planet, but always with the awareness that our eternal home is with God. We can be grateful for the temporary without forgetting the eternal.
Now that I’ve been in a better mindset for some time, I love to revel in God’s beauty — to see his presence in the details around me. There’s beauty in God’s people, in places, in fleeting moments and in cherished memories.
I see God’s beauty in the glittering water of Coeur d’Alene Lake, and in the way snow sparkles under sunlight — I’ve always loved things that shimmer and reflect light. Even a single snowflake, with its intricate, unique design, feels like a small miracle when you look closely.
I feel it in quality time spent with a loved one, and in the quiet ache of memories when that loved one is gone. I’ve seen it in Italy’s architecture and colors, where history breathes through every stone and narrow street.
I notice it in the first signs of spring — puddles, blossoms, the soft return of warmth. It’s puddle-wonderful, as E.E. Cummings once wrote.
When I think about beauty, I tend to think of nature — the things untouched by human hands. Maybe it’s because in those raw, natural moments, I feel closest to God’s original design. It reminds me that even in a world full of uncertainty, his creation is still pure — and so is the joy we find in it.
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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