Thank you, Hadden, for sharing this thoughtful and gracious piece.
In the midst of a humanity that is prone to miss the mark, I am grateful for those glimpses I get of beauty and goodness that the Lord enables me to see through my stumbling, clumsy walk upon this earth which I never manage to get quite right. This essay of yours reminds me of a truth that I am so grateful for: that no matter my mistakes or the mistakes of this human race I am a part of, my God is one who delights in redemption, even of the ugliest things.
Hadden, thank you for shining a light on the cost that comes with beauty. As regrettable as it is in politics and culture, I think it even exists in nature. There is a cost incurred when a fruit tree produces an abundance of fruit, when a mother gives birth to a healthy baby, and when ocean waves crash upon white beaches. The cost is, in a sense, what makes things valuable. Not to say that we should pursue costly ventures simply for the sake of the value they can yield—I think here of hunting rhino for their horns—but rather that we should understand that nature is often as brutal as human endeavour. Just a thought.
Absolutely agree, Leanne. And the examples you have picked evidence the cost of beauty in nature perfectly. It is also striking to think that a flower blooms only briefly and once its purpose is fulfilled in the act of pollination it rapidly dies. Perhaps it is a truism that "beauty always comes with a cost"?
Thank you, Hadden, for sharing this thoughtful and gracious piece.
In the midst of a humanity that is prone to miss the mark, I am grateful for those glimpses I get of beauty and goodness that the Lord enables me to see through my stumbling, clumsy walk upon this earth which I never manage to get quite right. This essay of yours reminds me of a truth that I am so grateful for: that no matter my mistakes or the mistakes of this human race I am a part of, my God is one who delights in redemption, even of the ugliest things.
This is a lovely comment Joel, thank you -- and a beautiful truth that I am in need of reminding of
Hadden, thank you for shining a light on the cost that comes with beauty. As regrettable as it is in politics and culture, I think it even exists in nature. There is a cost incurred when a fruit tree produces an abundance of fruit, when a mother gives birth to a healthy baby, and when ocean waves crash upon white beaches. The cost is, in a sense, what makes things valuable. Not to say that we should pursue costly ventures simply for the sake of the value they can yield—I think here of hunting rhino for their horns—but rather that we should understand that nature is often as brutal as human endeavour. Just a thought.
Absolutely agree, Leanne. And the examples you have picked evidence the cost of beauty in nature perfectly. It is also striking to think that a flower blooms only briefly and once its purpose is fulfilled in the act of pollination it rapidly dies. Perhaps it is a truism that "beauty always comes with a cost"?
Very good article, Hadden! I enjoy your perspective very much.
Thanks Sam, much appreciated!