What's Most Beautiful? A Prayer of Inquiry

God, I was watching the sunset again. It's beautiful here in Hawai'i; I've never seen more beautiful sunsets elsewhere. Sunsets next to a soothing fire on the beach; what can be better? Even the sunsets behind the Honolulu skyrises; what can be better? Is there anything more beautiful? I think you've taught me that, in fact, there is. Self-abandon; that's more beautiful to you, isn't it? Obedience; that's greater, isn't it? But I want to know what's most beautiful, God? Is it doing what you do...giving? Sacrificing? Is it what the Scriptures say? "Greater love has no man than this: That he lay down his life for another." Compared to the sunsets, is that more beautiful? Most beautiful? Teach me God, what's most beautiful to you so I can see it clearly and never take my eyes off it. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.