Beauty

Discovering beauty in New York is easier than it might seem.  Everywhere you look there are examples of extraordinary care and attention.  In the midst of consumerism, commercialism, and exploiting any and every opportunity, one can, if the eyes are open and aware, see and experience the best of the human experience.  The evidence can be found uptown and downtown, the east side and the west, in things natural and in human creations.
 
I find myself encourage by the care taken to dress the buildings, especially from days gone by.  You can walk through the lower east side, wander through TriBeCa, or explore the Seaport and find gargoles protecting past and present generations.  Even the facades shaping the gargoles’ home have been constructed with care and attention.
 
I find hope in those dedicated to eradicating social injustice.  The methods and means are puzzling, but the intent is inspiring!  People genuinely care.  People get involved. People step out and take personal risk when others are in trouble.  A man trips and falls on Orchid Street; within minutes mobiles are ringing 911, people are reaching out to help, and others are impatient.  Everything mixed in one joyous contrast of caring and worshipping self.
 
As I examine and reflect on the care which goes into the plants and landscape of New York, the ongoing themes of care, engagement, and beauty continue.  People are proud of this city.  People care about the city and the community it represents.  People want to make things better.  As with all generalizations my statements do not apply to every New Yorker, yet the sheer number of those engaged are beyond most imaginations.
 
I wish this extended uniformly to those engaged as followers of God.  Imagine a community where, “by working justice, God-of-the-Angel-Armies will be a mountain.  By working righteousness, Holy God will show what ‘holy’ is.” (Isaiah 5.16)  This is a world where you and I are involved directly with God for others. 
 
This beauty can be realized, in your life and mine.  God invites each, to engage and be partners in Divinity’s work.