I’m noticing as the weather gets colder and the holidays are here, that there seems to be a rise in tensions for several members of the Emmanuel Church outreach programs. Individuals who are homeless or marginally housed may face challenges as rudimentary as survival and like many populations, some of our members may experience depression during the holidays. As I became aware of the subtle change in atmosphere, I reached out to Rev. Pam Werntz for guidance in how best to not succumb myself, but to maintain a helpful presence with those I’m serving.Pam’s advice was to find the beauty in each day. Armed with that mission I found, in fact, that those moments of beauty are even more poignant when in contrast to a more challenging day. Being more cognizant of occurrences that may have been overlooked previously became a rewarding task.

I wanted to share some of those with you in hopes that you, too, will find pleasure. One of the regular Common Art participants had recently lamented that he had never sold any of his art to the public. This past week, however, a gentleman came in to purchase one of his pieces. Perhaps of greatest value to the artist was the hour he and the purchaser spent in conversation discussing his work and viewing his other completed pieces. The pride and sense of accomplishment experienced by this artist was truly a thing of beauty.

It can be difficult to ask of others when in need. For those individuals who are homeless or marginally housed, it can be a request too often gone unheard. Another moment of beauty this past week was witnessing an exception to this pattern. A new arrival came in asking if we could provide him with a coat. All he had was a vest that he offered in trade for something warmer. I found this to be a gracious gesture on his part. A few hours later when I ran into him, I was pleased to see that he was successful in acquiring the requested coat and said as much. He smiled at me and with great joy and pointed out that not only had he gotten a coat, but that in fact it was a designer style.

My last glimpse of beauty for that day’s program was something that I’ve seen many times but not given any particular notice. Each week there is a group of women who join us at the Common Art program. They sit together and work on beading projects as they chat and enjoy each other’s company. Woven throughout their exchange is a periodic comment from one to another of general support and encouragement. For the first time I realized and appreciated how these women are a valuable support network for each other.

Thanks to Pam’s suggestion, rather than facing this coming month with a sense of dread, I am now looking forward to helping others notice beauty too.

— Brianna Babick