Finding Beautiful By Rebecca FriedlanderSample

Day Seven: Beauty Shared Scripture: Matthew 16:25, John 13:3–5, 12–16 A recent monthlong trip through Ireland and Scotland was packed with mountains to climb, ferry trips to remote islands, and winding roads that gave way to spectacular views. As my time was winding down, I received a distressing call from the States that my father was in an accident. Leaving the wild Irish Sea for a hospital room with stale air, bland food, and fluorescent lights felt surreal—yet there was no place I would rather be than at the bedside of my father. For me, that quiet room was the most compelling place in the universe. In caring for my dad and being present, I brought a unique stability and comfort simply because I was my father’s daughter. The experience was tiring, often boring, emotionally draining . . . and beautiful. These experiences remind me that true beauty is two-fold. First, we discover it for ourselves, and second, we give it to others. As we discover the depth of our identity in Christ, we grow in confidence and powerfully give to others. Our Father in heaven aligns our lives with those we can pour hope and life into, just as I did with my dad. Jesus modeled what it looks like to be a whole, confident person who chooses to love. The passage in John reminds us that Jesus knew what God had given Him and that God had planned a future for Him. Showing His disciples how to serve one another reflected the strength and security of the One He served. This passage also reveals that Jesus didn’t use His last night with His disciples to defend Himself or to convince them of His authority. Instead, His inner security came from a place no one could violate or steal away: His relationship with the Father. From humility flowed His identity, and He freely gave Himself to others. This story reminds us of an important truth: beauty is not just for ourselves—we are called to give it away. When we are secure in God’s love, we are free to give from a place of humility and self-acceptance. Beauty is for us to discover and for others to find as we give it away. Have you thought of yourself before as a carrier of beauty? Ask Christ to help you recognize the beauty you have to give to others.