Beauty: “the quality of aggregate of qualities in a person or thing that gives pleasure to the senses or pleasurably exalts the mind or spirit.” (Merriam-Webster) 

My friends are beautiful. 

We met for dinner and an outing last weekend. As we were sitting around the table, I considered each of their lives, stories, strengths, and contributions to their families and the world. I considered the broken and sad parts of our lives we share with each other, because as someone said last week, “this is one of the safest places I’ve ever known.” And it is. We are free to be honest with each other and learn together on our journeys. 

Of course there are physical attributes about each of my friends that are very beautiful, but when I’m with them I’m genuinely thinking about how they make me feel— like I’m in a sanctuary away from the world. Time and time again they have proven trustworthiness and genuine love.  

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

The years and circumstances will change how our bodies look. However we will always be beautiful together in the most meaningful, life-giving ways because of who we choose to be and because of how we make each other feel— appreciated, safe, supported, seen.  

We are not a perfect friend group, but as we consider the way of Jesus we learn to live in growing freedom in our hearts and minds. We consider how Jesus purposefully sought out and loved people that were considered “other” and advocated for the marginalized.  We learn from Him. We grow more beautiful in how we live.