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. Until recently, I thought this quite odd, but now I’m seeing he may be on to something.
Surprised by Joy
I was introduced to the word “quiddity” in the book, Surprised By Joy, C.S. Lewis’ autobiography. Of his friend, A. K. Hamilton Jenkins, Lewis wrote that he “seemed to be able to enjoy everything, even ugliness.”[1] From Jenkins’ 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 it’s 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.
I don’t yet grasp the glee in all Lewis is referring to. However, the thought of fully appreciating something for what it is, even when unpleasant, awakens a longing within me.
As a side note, Lewis defined Joy as “the experience of an unsatisfied desire, which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.”[4] Quiddity awakens a desire within my soul.
What is Quiddity?
Quiddity is defined as, “the inherent nature or essence of something or someone.” More simply put, the “whatness” or “what it is.” [5] Quiddity is the quality of what makes something or someone unique.
John Piper has been moved by the application of quiddity in his own life. 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.”[6]
I too want to appreciate what makes the people and things around me unique. Several benefits of this focus come to mind:
Accepting the Ugly and Unpleasant Parts of Life?
I’ve spent a life time running from and denying the hard parts of life. But these difficult aspects of my journey have played a major part in who I am today. The unpleasant parts of life have been used to prune my heart as I desire to be full of Joy, in the Lord, always. [7]
Lord, help me to fully embrace all moments of my life. Help me understand, that in your sovereignty, You allow me to experience all manner of people and things for your purposes. Teach me to embrace and cherish all you bring my way, the pleasant and unpleasant.
Keeping Me From Being Self Focused
Fully embracing my surroundings, appreciating the quiddity of all aspects of my journey, keeps me from worrying about me. I’m complete, in Christ.[8] He’s unleashed me to be more fully present each moment.This is extremely freeing.
Lord, you’ve given me five senses to appreciate life’s moments. These senses are only active now. You’ve taken care of me. I don’t have to clutter my mind with regrets from the past or concerns for the future. Please keep me focused on the present and teach me how to fully appreciate the qualities of the people and objects you bring my way.
Helping Me Love Others as Christ Has Loved Me
By appreciating and seeking to understand how God has uniquely made each person, I can more easily love them as Christ has loved me.
Lord, You’ve commanded me to love others as You’ve loved me.[9] You tell me that if I do this, I’ll remain in Your love and that You’ll make my Joy complete.[10]This is amazing. 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.
In Conclusion
I need to spend more time with Ches, learning how to rub my nose in the magic of what surrounds me.
Lord, You know my desire to Rejoice in You always. Thank you for showing me about Quiddity. 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] Lessons from an Inconsolable Soul, John Piper, Desiring God 2010 Conference for Pastors
[5] Google Dictionary
[6] Lessons from an Inconsolable Soul, John Piper, Desiring God 2010 Conference for Pastors
[7] Philippians 4:4
[8] Colossians 2:10
[9] John 13:34
[10] John 15:9-12
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