"Looking for Lovely"

“My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” Psalm 108:1

“My heart, O God, is focused and determined. Now I can sing my song with passionate praises! Awake, O my soul, with the music of his splendor.” (TPT)

Today, ladies, open your book and read the chapter of “Looking for Lovely,” titled, “Ryman Auditorium.”

To all of our Nashville sisters, we want to come see you, and we want you to take us to the Ryman. I can’t decide if I want to see Lady A or Andrew Peterson. Annie made all of the performers sound so very lovely.

In the middle of the lovely, I was a little bit convicted. Sure, Annie is a wonderful storyteller, and I was mesmerized by her words. I loved the Ryman for the special reasons she mentioned. Also, I wondered where I could visit in this city I live in that would bring me the same kind of joy.

For a couple of years now, I’ve been longingly looking back at some of the former cities I lived in. I have sat many hours wondering how I could organize a trip back to my college campus and the chapel where I was married, the church and Sunday school room where I grew alongside other first-time parents, the lake behind our home in North MS where I pled with God about what He was doing with me, or the paths where I took long walks with friends and the Lord. I’m not saying any of that is bad. Annie’s chapter beautifully shares how God uses places to stir our souls with His presence.

I read this chapter and wondered where the place is here, in my current environment, that speaks to my soul in unique and special ways. Of course, there’s the ocean. When I really need to hear from God, I make a run for the water. I can always feel Him there. But, Annie has given herself to the Ryman. She is intentional with time and finances to get there, to invest, and to watch for God to show up. That sounds lovely!

It is true that our eternal home is in heaven. Any attempt to make here and now permanent will never work. However, we have been given right here and right now. I believe God wants us to experience the lovely of who He is within the confines of our temporary and norma life. There isn’t anything magic about the Ryman (Nashville people, you may disagree). What’s magical is the way God leads our paths and makes ordinary, everyday places come alive with His goodness.

“Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you!” (Psalm 16:6, TPT)

Do you have a special place nearby that speaks to you of the goodness of God? Maybe you want to plan a quick trip there. Or, maybe (like me) you want to ask God to appoint a place that will grow to become a marker of lovely for you like the Ryman is for Annie.

God, Your earth is FULL of beauty and grace. We just need to open our eyes and embrace what You’ve given us. Thank you for making this human life enjoyable. You’ve given us music, adventures, friends, and special experiences. They all point to You! In our enjoyment we can wake up to lovely. Oh, how we want to!