Beauty is in the Heart of the Beholder
I’m still basking in the beauty of God’s creation that never ceases to amaze me. This week it is in the exotic location of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico where my family and I are celebrating spring break and God’s faithfulness to us. I’m so grateful to be a part of this experience where we have eaten well, enjoyed special places of entertainment exclusive to this area, laughed at the hilarious antics of my grandchildren as we drove the countryside — singing and dancing in the van and being able to just “be”. While my family are sun-lovers and spend much time taking on the “rays”, I find myself right here at my computer – savoring the inspirations God seems to load me up with daily.
The beauty of this place on the Pacific Ocean, the high tide right now and the sounds of the waves bursting against the ginormous rock formations soothes my heart and soul.
The natural rock formations always make me think of the “Solid-Rock” foundation we have in Christ. Then there’s the tropical floral, palm trees, and cacti that display God’s artistry and color palette.
We’ve found – along with all this beauty in this place, is the beauty of our precious majordomo, Valeria, who has meant so much to us for so many years. Besides being a foremost Mexican food culinary chef and gifted food artist, we claim her as one of us. Her warm smile, her hearty laughter, her generosity and attention to the details, her assurance that we are being taken care of above and beyond the call of duty, plus her love for us is the special bonus for coming here. She adorned this home with family photos all over. She’s watched my grandchildren grow up and we’ve watched her precious daughter grow up.
Tuesday night, was pre-planned. We were taking a 45-minute trip to Flora Farms which is an amazing 25-acre organic working farm in San Jose del Cabo. The Flora’s Field Kitchen, the band, the shops, the food prepared from their own gardens is a delight. The outdoor experience for the dining and atmosphere is outstanding. But what made this night so extra-special was surprising the family with Valeria’s 21-year-old daughter who flew in from Guadalajara where she attends school and works there. Valeria and I pondered and schemed how we could create the best surprise at Flora Farms for Ryan and Shawntel. But our best laid plans were useless because God’s best-laid plans are always best.
We were about to get a family photo at this red pick-up truck, so thought Ryan and Shawntel. Our Ruthie said: “Let me see if I can get someone to take the picture for us” and that’s when Fernanda walked in. Shawntel thought she was seeing someone who looked like Fernanda and Ryan knew right away and ran like a proud papa seeing his girl after being away for so long. It was magical for all of us to see.
Valeria had taken this photo of them eleven years ago and was able to re-enact the photo here. It was the sweetest moment and the favor-of-God upon us all as we realized, once again, beauty is more than in the eyes of the beholder. It is in the “heart” of the beholder.
“The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)