I wrote this post a while back when after listening to a podcast. I actually listen to a lot of podcasts as I find that it is a great use of time to put on my headphones while I work on my chairs, go for walks, work on projects in the house, garden, you name it. In fact, I am even more encouraged doing some of these things knowing that I have an interesting podcast to listen to.
One podcast that I heard had the guest quoting Garth Brooks. Garth’s words struck a chord with me and I wanted to share it with you.
Garth was taking questions from the students at a university where he offered to put on a small concert. One student wanted his advice on how she could feel good about writing songs when there is so much hatred and destruction going on in the world. (This event took place soon after Russia invaded Ukraine). The president of Belmont University, Dr. Greg Jones, said Garth answered the student’s question like this:
“There is going to be a lot of times in your life when the world seems like it is falling apart and there will be times in your life when it feels like your life is falling apart. In all those times the world and you will still need beauty. So rather than you thinking it is self-indulgent to be a song writer, why don’t you double down and help create beauty that will inspire others to see possibilities for the future.”
Garth’s answer to the question was simple, yet it had so much truth.
We can all have a part to play in spreading beauty in the world, whether it is through writing and sharing a heartfelt song, painting a picture of a beautiful landscape, taking a photo of a baby, or upholstering a colourful chair to brighten someone’s space. Or, maybe it is just taking the time to visit someone who is lonely, or knocking on a neighbours door with a loaf of homemade bread or flowers from your garden.
We can also spread beauty in the world with just a kind word or a smile.
Beauty is all around us. In the music we play, in the gardens we grow, in the food we prepare, in the table we set, in the notes that we write and the comments we make.
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” Anne Frank
What kind of beauty are you spreading today?
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