Disclaimer: The following entry contains thoughts and material related to Christianity. While I do have a personal belief in Jesus Christ, I work with folks who believe all sorts of things and I strive to respect those differing beliefs in my work with them. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
"We do not want to merely “see” beauty—though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words—to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it." C.S. Lewis
"Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise." C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis notes that we must know our hearts to know we desire something that is out of this world—if they had really learned to look into their own hearts. When we do not know our hearts, when we do not listen to our hearts song to its end, we stop short of hearing the name of that which our heart truly wants. We feel its response to beauty on this earth and think it is the earthly thing it desires.
We long to be joined with the beauty we see here on this earth, but it is only a reflection of something else which we long for that much more desperately. As 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Think of the beautiful things which call to you: Stunning views from a mountain top, a well-written business plan that touts power and transformation for the company, delicious food, a beautiful woman, a handsome man. These are just a few of the many things that seduce us with their beauty.
When we think it is those things that our hearts desire we pursue the things themselves, when what we are seeing is only a reflection of actual Beauty. Food, no matter how much or how delectable, never satisfies fully. It may for a moment, but we will be hungry again in time. There are always new mountaintops to climb, but when we worship the mountain itself we have forgotten that God created the mountain to tell you something about God's character so that you can know God more fully.
When you feel the pull toward beauty, listen longer. When you are drawn toward something, when you long to be united with another, whatever beauty it may be, listen for the end of the song. That man or woman in your life may be attractive, safe, attentive, but aren't those qualities of God? Accomplishing the next business goal promises more prestige, but is it possible that connecting to the awesome power of God would be more fulfilling? Your heart's longing might not be so easy to decipher, but that is part of the journey—discovering what lies beneath your initial desire as you learn more about your heart and more about God.
I am not suggesting that you push away all earthly beauty because it is not ultimately what you desire. God has given us these gifts for a reason. However, do not get distracted by the reflection, but instead, always remember that it is only an inkling of what we will one day experience. Until that day we will always be wanting, always slightly unsatisfied, hungering for more. And that is just as God wants it, not out of malice, but out of preparation. He hopes we will wait expectantly for the fulfillment that is promised. Hoping it will keep us vigilant, eager for, and ever pursuing our Final Union.
