One thought from me:

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On a grey afternoon last week, I took my two-year-old daughter to the park for a play. The park we chose was a very ordinary suburban playground next to a primary school. But when we arrived there, we were surprised at how beautiful it was. Because, above the play equipment, the Eucalyptus trees were in flower.

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We picked some of the branches within reach and the beauty of those pink blooms and the smell of the deep green leaves, stayed with us for days. It was a simple encounter with the beauty of the natural world that gave us joy for the week ahead.

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In some ways, in our culture, we've lost the ability to appreciate beauty.

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We've come to think of beauty as models on billboards advertising expensive watches or young women in glossy magazines selling anti-aging cream. A kind of beauty that is fake and fleeting.

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In contrast, true experiences of beauty satisfy a deep longing in our souls. They help us find hope during difficult days.

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It's not selfish to seek beauty in our lives, instead, meditating on the beauty around us can give us the courage to keep going, can inspire us to keep bringing beauty and light into the lives of others.

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A quote from someone else:

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Go forth into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast that which is good. Render to no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Show love to everyone. Love and serve the Lord.

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- From The Book of Common Prayer. (First published in 1549)

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​And a few things I think you will love:

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My friend Bonnie Maher has taught me to let my children collect nature and bring it home. She believes that giving our children this freedom helps them to build their own appreciation for beauty. You can see a picture of her daughters' collections below and read about how they facilitate a love of nature at home in this article from 2018, Nature Play Around the World: Sydney.

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Taking time for beauty sometimes means taking time for yourself. Slowing down to sit a little longer in a beautiful spot, or start a new book. I love this Instagram post by Larissa Jones @thesimlpejones that reminds us how we can find little moments of rest even during the busy and hands-full days of parenting young children.

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If you're looking for a late January read, I loved this book The Children of Willesden Lane. The book tells the story of Lisa Jura, and is written by her daughter Mona Golabek. Lisa was a Jewish refugee in England during World War Two whose beautiful piano music inspired others during the most unimaginably dark and difficult season.

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As always thank you for reading,

I'm grateful for you,

Hannah Alexander

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Each week, I share 1. A thought from me,

2. A quote from someone else and 3. Some things I hope you'll like.

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