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Object suggested: Objects of beauty from the natural world. An oil lamp, if available.  The picture I selected of the beautiful colored leaves.

I think some of the most beautiful things occur in nature. 

What beautiful sights have you seen in the world around you? 

Here are a few of the things I would list:

    Dragonflies

    Butterflies

    Many kinds of flowers

    A seashell

    A feather

    The sunset and sunrise

    Snow

    A rainbow

    The moon – crescent and full

    Sun glistening on waves

    A smile

There are so many beautiful things in this world.  If we are to enjoy all that God has created we must be attentive.  Attentive means that we must take time to look and see what is around us.  We must pay attention so we don’t miss God’s blessings.

Jesus tells a story in the Bible that teaches us about attentiveness.  The story goes like this:  There were ten bridesmaids who were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive so the wedding celebration could begin.  They all took lamps with them to wait. Five bridesmaids also took oil for their lamps and the other five did not.  The bridegroom was delayed and the oil in the bridesmaids’ lamps was used up.  Five bridesmaids had to leave to get more oil and while they were gone the bridegroom returned and those five bridesmaids missed the wedding banquet – a banquet is a celebration.

I believe Jesus told that story to teach us about being prepared to receive God’s blessings.  The blessing may be something of beauty in the natural world or it may be living a good life by receiving God’s love. Living our lives in a way that honors God allows us to be a part of the celebration of God’s love.

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