Some thoughts I found scribbled on an envelope from a few weeks ago.

I feel the most beautiful right after I've washed my face.  Standing in front of the mirror as I turn off the taps, water dripping down my face, eyes shining, lashes clinging together.  Dirt is washed away. Remnants of sticky sunscreen are lifted.  The mask I hide behind is swept off.  My blemishes are exposed.  My hair isn't perfect, my skin isn't perfect, my face is usually looking tired.  But I feel beautiful. And not made up, imaginary, princessy beautiful.  Not picture beautiful.  I feel real.  I feel genuine.  I feel open.  I feel refreshed. I feel cleansed. I feel beautiful.  It's the type of beautiful I want others to see and bring out in me.  It's the type of beautiful I want to see and bring out in others.

It's the same way with my heart.  Soap and soft, colourful cloths, and running water are replaced by silence, or freely singing, or just pouring my thoughts out in prayer.  In moments of true worship and confession, my stains are washed away.  My burden is lifted.  I have a prettier attitudee, I have a purer heart.  I see more beauty around me.  I draw closer to God.  And filled with his light, my heart with his heart, I feel wholly loved. I feel completely known.  I feel like a child in awe.  I am glowing in love.  I am beautiful in His image, a masterpiece.