In Saint Pope John Paul II’s Letter to Artists he writes: 

“Beauty, like truth, brings joy to the human heart in a world so full of tears. The Polish poet Cyprian Norwid wrote that “beauty is to enthuse us for work, and work is to raise us up” (n.3). The beauty that results from the artists creative inspiration stirs the viewer to wonder at the marvel of the universe. From this wonder comes enthusiasm for life. Enthusiasm is a critical help in overcoming life’s difficulties.” (The Timeless Teachings of St John Paul II: Summaries of His Papal Documents by John E. Fagan)

But is beauty only found in the masterpieces of great artists, poets, and musicians?  In fact, beauty surrounds us; we only need to look.

We can find beauty in creation.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” – (Genesis 1:31)

There is joy, inspiration, and wonder throughout the year in the seasons as they come and go: the colours of the autumn leaves; bulbs emerging through the mulch in winter; the mud which brings children so much joy and the trees they love to climb; a sunny spot to sit and watch the children expend some energy on a cool winter afternoon; dew in the early morning; light streaming through the trees and the smell of wet grass, the call of the kookaburra at daybreak and nightfall – it’s all there.

“Open your minds and hearts to the beauty of all that God has made and to His special, personal love for each one of you.” – St John Paul II 

There is an abundance of beauty inside the home.  The glorious morning light that comes through the window to warm our face with the gift of another day; food to prepare for our family; clean clothes to wear; a comfortable couch that you can fall into and rest albeit five minutes; a colourful rug that brightens up a room; a vase received as a gift that holds a gift of a dandelion from a child; a treasured wedding photo; a shell that sits on the kitchen windowsill evoking a summer past; long walks and  ice-cream; days that run smoothly and the ones that don’t; tears melted away with a bath and loving words; siblings playing together; climbing into a freshly laundered bed at the close of a full day; breathing slowly and allowing your body to finally relax.

“The child is the beauty of God present in the world, that greatest gift to a family.” –Mother Teresa

There is beauty when a newborn is welcomed home. The relief of a good rest for the mother and baby; watching a baby fall asleep in their favourite position; holding a baby so close you can feel his warm soft breath on your skin; the first smile that bring tears of joy to your eyes; the first laugh; the smell of a baby after a bath.

There is beauty and delight in our toddlers. Witnessing the increased engagement with his surroundings; his growing desire for independence; the almost meditative experience of watching him play; a child discovering an interest and becoming absorbed in it; a child bursting with happiness to see you at the end of their school day – greeting you with a hug and kiss that almost pushes you over; receiving their “I love you” in their words and hugs.

A primary aged child who has finally found a class where they love to be and has settled in;
watching your child and another begin a friendship which brings out the best in one another; seeing a child come alive with a new interest, hobby or book; the emerging maturity when you, the parent, need their help; a child whose spiritual growth you witness; the light and joy that emanates when the sacraments of reconciliation and first holy communion have been received.

“Love is the key to the mystery. Love by its very nature is not selfish, but generous. It seeks not its own, but the good of others. The measure of love is not the pleasure it gives-that is the way the world judges it- but the joy and peace it can purchase for others.” – Archbishop Fulton Sheen

We can see beauty in our marriage, in our spouse and in the life that have been created together.  The home that was an answer to many prayers, patience and perseverance;
for paid work, for success in an interview or a promotion, gaining a new client, finishing a degree; coming home safely each night; the joy on the children’s faces when your husband arrives home after being away; enjoying a dinner as a family, evening prayers with the children; having shared goals hopes and dreams and working together to achieve them; having an encouraging spouse who pushes you to be better, to learn, to grow.

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in His goodness, sends to us day after day.” – St. Gianna Molla

It may be hard to believe, but there is beauty within, and here is your reminder – we are all individually created by God himself, we have a body and a soul, and we are called by God to our vocation as a spouse, as a mother, and as the first educators for our children.

Throughout the day, beauty is there. Seek it amongst the chaos of the day. Take time to reflect on the joys, works and sufferings of the day. Draw out the beauty which lies within the mundane. Catch your breath and give thanks.

“Listen to your children. Give them your time, even the time that you have reserved for yourselves.” St Josemaria Escriva

And to finish, there is beauty in giving and giving of oneself. Giving to our family even when we are exhausted; giving to our family when everyone is sick and so are you; giving to others – those we know and those we don’t; giving a meal to a family in need. Giving could simple be sharing some cut flowers handpicked from your garden, or a smile or nod of encouragement; giving of your time to listen; taking the time to write a note to a child, a relative or friend. 

Beauty is in the small everyday actions of our daily life.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”  – Mother Teresa

And how to begin to find beauty when all seems grey? Archbishop Fulton Sheen has a suggestion for first thing in the morning:

“Coffee + Prayer = Conscientious Conversation with God”

~ Theresa Kwok
Theresa Kwok nee Spinks lives in Sydney with her husband and three children. She home-educates their older two children whilst their youngest attends a Montessori preschool.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, barre classes and has a growing interest in indoor plants.