Finding Beauty in the Wreckage

Oklahoma had a terrible ice storm last week. The storm has passed but a large portion of the state was without power for some time and the number of trees we lost is insane. I went for a walk through our neighborhood and the stacks of dead trees were heartbreaking. Hundreds of year-old trees are just gone. Destroyed.

Honestly, it made me really sad. Seeing the heaps of trees waiting to be hauled off looked like loss. As I walked, I noticed Magnolia branches sticking out and something struck me.

There is still beauty in the midst of loss and heartbreak.

I know there are many more serious things going on in the world than dead trees, but this was an important reminder for me to shift my mindset. I’m sharing here in case it’s the encouragement you need too.

Right there on my walk, I searched for beauty. I got on my hands and knees and pulled at any of the beautiful Magnolia leaves I could find. I went home, put them in a vase, and these little broken, yet beautiful branches are bringing life and beauty to a corner of our home. Every time I see these beautiful branches it’s a reminder that often what we look for, we find.

I’m challenging myself to look for beauty even when even when the obvious thing is destruction and chaos. I’m hoping and praying you find beauty too. You certainly deserve it, friend!