Seeing the Everyday Miracles: Embracing the Beauty Around Us
"How Thanksgiving Reminds Us to Cherish the Ordinary Wonders of God's Creation"
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown!" Emerson’s words capture the fleeting awe we might feel if we only saw stars rarely—a beauty so profound that it would inspire generations. This concept aligns with the “mere exposure effect,” a psychological phenomenon where the more we are exposed to something, the more we tend to like it. Yet, when something is always present, like stars in the sky, it may lose some of its magic. If the stars appeared rarely, we might see them with fresh eyes, appreciating their brilliance even more. Economically, we understand that rarity increases value. However, this is also one of the ways our minds can deceive us, making us overlook the everyday wonders and beauty around us.
As a lifelong Floridian, I've always lived within an hour of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Yet, when I arrive at the shore, I often find myself distracted by the crowds and the commerce around me. I have to pause and remind myself to truly see the beauty of creation right before my eyes. Years ago, as a young adult, I worked in Maryville, Tennessee, and later took students to a camp in Andrews, North Carolina. Every morning, I would wake up and marvel at the mountains, captivated by the awe-inspiring scenery. I would tell the locals I was from Florida, and they’d often respond by saying how much they longed to see Florida’s beaches. Each year, tourists flock to Florida to escape cold winters and enjoy the ocean’s beauty, while many Floridians dream of visiting the mountains and seeing snow.
The lesson here is clear: just because something is familiar does not make it any less beautiful. From the smallest subatomic particle to the cosmic expanse, we are part of a breathtaking creation crafted by an all-knowing, all-loving Creator. His goodness and power are evident in every detail—down to the atomic level and up to the farthest stars. As Psalm 19:1 reminds us, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Each element of creation testifies to His majesty.
This Thanksgiving, consider taking a moment to step outside, take a deep breath, and appreciate the world around you. Notice each blade of grass, growing from the earth and reaching toward the sun, converting its light into life. Watch the squirrels leap from tree to tree with a grace that reflects God’s artistry. Observe the sunset, painted across the sky, and feel the grandeur of God’s beauty. As Psalm 104:24 says, "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."
In pausing to see the ordinary as extraordinary, we fulfill the call of Psalm 150:6: "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" This Thanksgiving, let our hearts swell with gratitude for the wonders around us, seen and unseen, and for a Creator who delights in filling His world with beauty for us to enjoy.