God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31, NIV
I recently experienced the incredible blessing of visiting the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The island’s breathtaking natural beauty taught me a profound lesson—one that serves as a daily reminder to see the beauty in everything.
A few years ago, my in-laws visited us from New Mexico. Their awe-inspired comments about the abundance of water in the state of Washington were truly eye-opening. Our daily “exposure” to water had diminished my appreciation for such a life-giving resource. Their fresh perspective helped me rediscover the beauty I had previously taken for granted. Similarly, it made me think that the exotic plants, trees, and flowers on the island of Kauai that seem almost unreal to me may be commonplace to island residents.
I wish I could share the smells, sights, and feels of Kauai—words cannot do it justice. But I can share that what I learned from it is that the same amount of beauty resides in our classrooms—in the child who finally remembers to put away his coat; the student who gives another a high five for a simple achievement; or a greeting in the form of a hug or fist bump before class starts.
As I sit here reflecting on the wonder of it all, I find myself wondering, How can I access this truth more consistently in my life? How can I open my heart more in these spaces of routine? How can I learn to see and live in this beauty more intentionally through the eyes of Jesus?
Jesus, Help us to have eyes that see and ears that hear the beauty of what You place before us in our classrooms each day. Bring the ordinary into a space where we see it all through Your eyes. Help us to remember the beauty of the routines You have gifted us.
Copyright Rebekah Hutchinson.
Rebekah is a Christian Educators member and a second-grade teacher in Vancouver, Washington.
