Beauty

I've been realizing lately how much beauty plays a part in my life. As many of you know, we currently live in a basement. I know it is taking a toll on my emotional health. It is dreary, there is little natural light, and on long winter days sometimes I feel like I'm cooped up in a cave with two crazy kids. But I'm learning a lesson that I hope to take with me for the rest of my life. And that is, what a difference beauty can make in your life.

I wouldn't say I'm "into" interior decorating, it's never been one of my strong points or even something that really interests me. But I've seen in this dark environment of mine, it is a necessity. Beauty can combat the darkness, the dreariness, and the sadness. I hope I can always remember this.

I'm slowly learning a few things, mostly just from studying pictures of spaces that attract me. Textures are good. Dimension. Color schemes. I try not to focus on the amount of light in the picture (something I can't currently replicate), or the cost of the merchandise (something I don't wish to replicate), but just try and work with what I already have or can get cheaply.

One thing I've found this winter that has really made a difference is natural beauty. I know textures stick out to me, and specifically the textures of nature draw my eye and make me feel happy. I recently bought some fresh flowers that were a couple days too old at a discount price, and I can't tell you how many times I've passed by them and admired their beauty. Just seeing them makes me light up inside. It makes me think, "this world is beautiful, and I've got a piece of it right here in my home."

I love the beauty of this earth, and I thank God for it. It shines happiness in dark places.