Rubbing Your Nose in it
I have a good friend named Ches who, when introduced to something new, will bring it to his nose to smell it. I used to think this odd, but now I see his point.
Surprised by Joy
C.S. Lewis’ autobiography, Surprised by Joy, introduced me to the word “quiddity.” Of his friend, A. K. Hamilton Jenkin, Lewis wrote that he “seemed to be able to enjoy everything, even ugliness.” [1] From Jenkin’s example, Lewis learned to, “attempt total surrender to whatever atmosphere was offering at the moment; in a squalid town to seek out those places where its squalor rose to grimness and almost grandeur.” [2]
He called this a “serious, yet gleeful determination to rub one’s nose in the very quiddity of each thing, to rejoice in its being (so magnificently) what it was.” [3]
I need to tell Ches about this. 😎
While I still don’t fully grasp the glee Lewis is describing, a longing is stirred by fully appreciating things, even the unpleasant ones.
What is Quiddity?
The definition of quiddity is “the inherent nature or essence of something or someone.” [4] It’s what makes it unique.
The application of quiddity in his own life has moved John Piper. He wrote, “To wake up in the morning and to be aware of the firmness of the mattress, the warmth of the sun’s rays, the sound of the clock ticking, the coldness of the wooden floor, the wetness of the water in the sink, the sheer being of things (quiddity as he called it). And not just to be aware, but to wonder. To be amazed that the water is wet. It did not have to be wet. If there were no such thing as water, and one day someone showed it to you, you would simply be astonished.” [5]
“To not just be aware, but to wonder.” I love this. As we age, the fascination of life can escape us. I long to regain the wonder and curiosity of my childhood.
Appreciating the quiddity of the moments of my life is something I want venture into, and I believe this quest will have profound benefits.
Accepting the Ugly and Unpleasant Parts of Life?
I’ve spent a lifetime running from and denying the hard parts of life. But these difficult aspects of my journey have played a major role in who I am today. God has used them to prune my heart. [6]
Appreciating the unique essence of each part of my journey, and immersing myself in my surroundings, prevents me from worrying about myself. I’m complete in Christ. [7] He’s unleashed me to be more fully present each moment. This brings freedom to my soul.
Because I appreciate and seek to understand how God has uniquely made each person, I find it easier to love them as Christ has loved me.
Quiddity’s Wonder Helps Keeps Me Present
Appreciating the beauty of each present moment is a lesson I’m learning. As I have expressed previously, learning to fully embrace life’s present moments has become a driving force for remaining conscious of God’s omnipresent closeness. The awareness that He is constantly with me provides me with the bravery and fortitude required to confront everything He chooses to allow my way, both the happy times and the challenging ones.
The idea of unique qualities, built into the fabric of every part of God’s creation, should awaken an exciting curiosity in me to be on a never-ending adventure of discovery, with God as my guide.
The links between appreciation and gratitude, and between being curiously present and joy, are becoming increasingly clear to me as I write.
Challenge
Pause a moment and take inventory. Truly cast your heaviest burdens on God, as He has commanded you to do. [8]
Look around. Awaken all your senses to where He currently has you.
I see a bird feeding from our suet cage and the colors of the leaves beginning to change in the coolness of the early autumn day.
The sounds of an American crow and a white-throated sparrow fill the air (Not trying to impress with the bird sound identification, there’s an app for that 😁). I hear the gentle flow of our man-made mountain stream and the heavy breaths of Jack, our ever-enthusiastic Australian Shepherd puppy.
I smell the musty scent of drying leaves. I feel the gentle breeze.
I pause and allow wonder and curiosity to emerge. What’s the origin of the Australian Shepherd breed? As the days get colder, where will the white-throated sparrow go?
What about you?
What’s around you this very moment?
Allow the quiddity of whatever it is to invite you further into the moments of now. Keep trusting God with the hard stuff. He knows. He’s working to make you more like Jesus. Enjoy the journey.
Prayer
Lord, help me fully embrace all the moments of my life. Help me understand that in Your sovereignty, You allow me to experience all things for Your purposes. Teach me to embrace and cherish all You bring my way, the pleasant and the unpleasant.
You’ve given me five senses to appreciate life’s moments. These senses are only active now. You’re taking care of me. I can focus on now, no past regrets, no future concerns.
Please teach me how to fully appreciate the qualities of the people and objects You bring my way.
As I seek to obey Your command to love others as You’ve loved me. [9] Please give me a full understanding of the essence and uniqueness of every person You bring my way, even those who seem unpleasant. I ask these things so that I might love them sacrificially, as You’ve loved me.
Thank you for teaching me about the quiddity of something or someone. Please teach me how to keep my eyes off of me and on everything You bring my way. May my appreciation of my surroundings help me praise and worship You moment by moment.
Amen.
[1] Surprised by Joy, Harcourt, p. 199
[2] Ibid, p. 199
[3] Ibid, p. 199
[4] Google Dictionary
[5] Lessons from an Inconsolable Soul, John Piper, Desiring God 2010 Conference for Pastors
[6] Romans 8:28-29
[7] Colossians 2:10
[8] I Peter 5:7
[9] John 13:34
Other posts in our series In the Moments:
Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing
Exploring Grace and Joy together
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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Nonfiction books by the Author:
Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn’t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God’s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.
For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It’s not just a good idea, it’s vital to our journey as human beings. Rhythms of Joy
Novels by the Author:
What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for? Beyond Time
By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family Hope Remains
Please Check out the Cola City Podcast . Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.
