Looking for Lovely- Reflections

Summer Book Club

“Looking for Lovely”

Reflection Week: Day 1

Monday, August 21, 2023

Once again, I want to thank Amy Rogers for her relentless dedication and devotion to this summer’s book club, Looking for Lovely. She was instrumental in keeping us focused on what lovely can look like for each and every one of us. Her transparency, insights and callouts to Annie Downs’ collective memories, along with scripture, made the summer reading impactful to me.

One reason I resonated with some of Annie’s personal stories is because I live in Nashville and have walked in some of the same paths she did. And by “God incidence” (not coincidence) I was at some of the featured locations the week I was reading about them! I started journaling about each chapter so I could recall the highlights of the week and share them with others, especially with my local book/coffee club partner, Sissy (who will also share more with our Soul Sisters this week). Needless to say, this summer study has been quite a treat for me!

I loved reflecting on the ways I looked for lovely. The times I needed a wink from God, a miracle, or someone to walk alongside of, God always showed up. He provided just what I needed and it was always something lovely.

This summer was the beginning of a new phase of life for me as I launched into retirement. I had to persevere through all of the unknowns of this new chapter in my life. I kept trying to figure it all out (i.e., what I’m supposed to be doing with my time, where I should be volunteering, where I should travel, where/if I should work part time, etc…. because I should have this all figured out, right?). Then, I realized that God actually showed me how to look for all the lovely along the way. He reassured me that there was no need for me to stress and doubt. He is using me in His ways and in His time. So, while I wait, I keep rejoicing/celebrating and looking for the lovely along the way.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (which happens to be my verse for 2023)

Here are some of my favorite messages from our summer book club that spoke to my heart….

• God made us to look for lovely, create lovely, and cultivate it with our whole being.

• Ask God for a miracle. Pray. Watch for it with expectancy (don’t just look). Ask, seek, knock!! Matthew 7:7-8

• God made me the way I am on purpose. He made each of us to have a rare combination of things we love, things that make us cry, laugh, etc. We should embrace and love His creation. He planned for people to see Him in us.

• Beauty is what makes it possible to keep going. Beauty isn’t defined the same for everyone. It’s what we see as individuals. It’s the unique moments God gives you to collect and draw strength from. As you watch for your miracle and wait for it, look around for lovely.

• God’s word instructs us to rejoice in our sufferings, persevere in them, let your character grow, and watch as hope blooms (Romans 5:3-5). It’s about feeling the pain and letting the suffering be a part of your life so you can live out a hope-filled life.

• Dance!! Do something you enjoy that that releases the pain and struggles you might be going through. Feel God’s presence. Feel freedom.

• Sadness and joy can co-exist. When we make our hearts available in the hard moments it allows us to experience God’s love in new ways. It allows me to lean on Him and realize how compassionate, faithful and lovely He is. I think this part of why we are called to “rejoice in our sufferings.”

• We can be growing and changing. We need to surround ourselves with people who are for us…our goals, faith, health, and for our sanity!! We have to keep going while God is working on us.

Dear Gracious and Heavenly Father,

I am thankful for your teachings and guidance as I enter into a new phase of life. Forgive me for the times I don’t follow your call. I truly want to surrender to the truest pathway to lovely. In the midst of all times (good, bad or crazy) I know I can rejoice in you and in the circumstance. I want to ask, seek, knock, wait and trust that you will always show me the LOVELY. You always have! You always will!

I love you and am thankful for your grace and mercy along the way.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen