A clich? reminds us that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. There is some objects that when one says they are “beautiful” it is clearly from a personal perspective, however, the clich? is, I believe quite wrong when it comes to the important things in life.
Last night I sat with friends, chatting and sharing life. It had been a long week for all of us; for one it was physical, for others it was more the mental stress of meetings, difficult decisions, and uncertainties that had worn them down. We sat in older chairs, worn by time, in a home that one would quickly describe as having character. As I walked out into the late Indian summer evening, I found myself taking peace, hope, and comfort with me. I knew that I had come to a beautiful home and that I had, as a result, received gifts of real value.
On the long flight home, I reflected and slept on the thought of what made homes beautiful. I do not believe the process is subjective. I do not see one coming to a conclusion through opinion, or in the evaluation of what is seen through one’s eyes.
“Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.” (Proverbs 14.1)
The key things in this home included mutual trust, caring, and a shared journey. The attributes of a mutual desire to reach out and help others, describe evil as wrong, and respond to calls for help had grown into proven attributes. When I think of other families, I can see that these attributes are key measures of the foundation and structure. I also know where “Sir Fool” has been or even now is still residing. You can see the bricks and beauty of a home becoming more beautiful or struggling to stay together.
There is one difference between physical structures and homes. One is built in a single process; the other lives and changes by our decisions and choices. Today is an opportunity to build; take it.
