Human beings need oxygen in order to live. Lots of it. So our loving God provided us a world completely engulfed in oxygen; we swim in life-giving air like fish swim in water. Put your arm out — it’s surrounded with oxygen. Look down at your feet — they’re wading through it too. God also arranged for the daily replenishment of this planet-wide ocean of oxygen, through the forest and jungles and even the algae of the seas. We take it in all day long, and all day long he renews it. Lavish. And a good thing too!

He’s done the same with water. We need it daily. No human being can go without it for more than four days. Our planet is called the “blue planet” because of the amount of water we have. The oceans, of course, and the rain cycle that draws water from them and spreads it over the earth. Streams, ponds, rivers, lakes — the generosity of God can be seen here too. Without water nothing lives. Think of what happens to your lovely flowers when they are deprived of water.

Now, with the same generosity and care, God also filled the world with a renewable supply of something our souls need daily: beauty. Yes, beauty. The fact that our world is so saturated with beauty, breathtaking in so many ways great and small — this ought to let you know God feels it’s something you need for your survival. We are absolutely swimming in it.

But apart from the artist and poet, most people don't intentionally pursue beauty as nourishment. Notice that beauty doesn't make the typical lists of discipleship models, spiritual disciplines, or soul care. Beauty is one of the richest graces God has provided to heal our souls and absorb his goodness.

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