From the Inside Out

(“Every day we should hear at least one little song,

read one good poem, see one exquisite picture,

and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.”

–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1838)

Author and lawyer, von Goethe, was much too easily satisfied.

Yes, a day without music would be dreary.

Poetry does feed the soul and intellect in ways that prose does not.

An exquisite picture does lift the spirit.

It’s also true that sharing a few words of wisdom can be satisfying.

Yet, is that enough for one day?  What about:

• Offering the music of “thank you” or “you go first” or “I love your smile?”

• Reading and pondering several verses of scripture?  That will feed the soul and intellect even more than poetry.

• Creating an exquisite picture of kindness by finding ways to be helpful and engaging?  Such artful living often impacts people more than we realize.

• Speaking a few sensible words of encouragement, and feeling uplifted ourselves?

But beyond von Goethe’s suggestions of music, poetry, art, and wisdom are many more possibilities for a day full of delight.  We can:

• Savor a pleasurable moment or memory–better yet, when the two happen back-to-back.  Just today a neighbor girl whooshed by on her scooter, and I was reminded of happy, long ago days doing some whooshing of my own on bicycles or skates.  I smiled.

• Make a discovery or learn something new.  Read.   Listen.  Think.  Recently in C. S. Lewis’s The Weight of Glory (Eerdman’s Publishing, 1949), I came across this statement:  “Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality” (p. 36).  Well deserving of some careful pondering, I think.

• Celebrate at least one small miracle of nature:  a magnificent cloud formation, bright green growth on the tips of evergreen boughs, a cardinal’s song echoing through the woods.

• Engage the creative side:  draw (even if it’s doodling), paint (even if it’s adding color to someone else’s art), or write (even if it’s in a journal that no one else will see).

• Offer a smile–wherever we are.  “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  Peace begins with a smile” (Mother Teresa).  Better yet, add words–a cheerful greeting, a compliment, a bit of gratitude.

• End the day by counting blessings.  Drift off to sleep in an attitude of prayer–a prayer such as this:

*     *     *     *    *     *     *     *    *     *

Thank you, Father, for your gifts that offer daily delight–gifts like the warm pleasure of childhood memories bubbling to the surface unexpectedly, discoveries that challenge the mind and inspire the soul, and miracles of nature that amaze.

Thank you, oh God, for creating us in your image, including the ability to imagine, design, and produce.  Thank you for the deep satisfaction of the creative process.

And thank you for the astounding privilege to be a positive influence in this world, an ambassador for your Son.

(Art & photo credits:  www.doublequotes.net; http://www.beactive.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).