“We do not merely want to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words—to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.” C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Have you ever been so moved or inspired or awe-struck by beauty that you wanted to become part of it?
If you’re anything like me, a stunning sunrise or sunset can stop you in your tracks. There’s just something about seeing the sky on fire that grabs and holds my attention like nothing else.
Why? Because a sunrise or sunset is splendor and glory on a grand scale—the grandest, perhaps, on earth.
While working late one August night, I glanced out my office window and caught a glimpse of the most beautiful sunset I'd seen all summer. Slipping on my sandals, I ran outside and stood in my front yard, staring up in wonder.
My house sat at the top of a steep hill so my view was unobstructed by other houses. No neighbors walked down the street; no cars passed by. All was quiet.
It was just me with this spectacular sight. My heart soared.
Lavish streaks of pink and orange filled the darkening sky. Glancing down at my arms, I saw that same pinkish glow on my skin, like I was being bathed in beauty and color from the heavens.
The symphony of colors slowly rose to silent crescendo, becoming even more vivid and vibrant. Then a little while later, they softened and faded away.
For a brief moment, I felt as though I was part of the beauty above me. It was extraordinary, and I didn’t want it to end.
Why? Because I was seeing and experiencing the splendor and glory of God the Creator. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. Psalm 19:1
If our eyes are open to beauty, we can’t miss him. The silent sky is not really silent at all.
Have you ever had a similar experience with beauty? What were you thinking and feeling during those moments? I would love to know! Please leave me a comment or connect with me on Facebook or Instagram. And thanks, as always, for reading.