“We think to determine three things: whether something is true, whether something should be done, and whether something commands our appreciation. In other words, we think to know truth, goodness, and beauty.” – Andrew Kern, founder of CiRCE Institute
This quote – especially those three words: truth, goodness, beauty – stopped my mindless social media scrolling.
I read that quote on Instagram the other day and have been thinking about it. My kids’ have outgrown their school shirts that have those same three words on them along with the New Covenant Christian Academy logo.
(Upon searching older pictures, I think the shirt I’m thinking about actually says “Truth. Beauty. Virtue.” But, you know, virtue and goodness are synonyms, so same thing.)
I knew this was a foundation of classical education, of which I’ve learned about since enrolling my daughter in this school 4 1/2 years ago, but I’ve been gaining a new perspective about how truth, goodness, and beauty fit into everyday life. These foundations of our faith prompt us to be aware of from where we’re gaining truth, how God is faithful and good even when our society cries out otherwise, and how there is so much beauty around us and in us that there’s so many reasons we should be praising God.
Truth, goodness, and beauty sound
old-fashioned, but they matter today.
I’m thrilled my kids learn about that at school. And I’m grateful God continues teaching me two decades into following Him.
Lately I’ve been thinking about what’s true as I parent, as I reflect on longtime and everyday friendships, as I strive to seek God in all things, as we step out in faith to begin a new small group to serve our local community. Sometimes I complain about the weather, or my kids’ behavior, or how long my husband takes to put away his clean laundry.
I get distracted by things that don’t matter,
but God’s goodness abounds right here.
I’ve been known to overthink things, replaying or anticipating conversations, reading between the lines that aren’t actually there, and planning reactions before they’re even necessary. I’m learning when I let my thoughts be captive and obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) and think about whatever is true, noble, and lovely (Phil. 4:8), then I’m not left overthinking and dwelling on things of this world. Rather my focus is on what matters.
And that’s a beautiful thing rooted in truth and goodness.
*****
After seeing that quote, I researched who said it and happened upon the article from which the quote comes. Regardless of whether classical education is part of your life, the whole article is worth reading.
*****
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And this is why I have persevered in homeschooling, but, as you say, we need truth, goodness and beauty in our lives no matter what else we are doing with our days.
In everything, which is a reminder I need regardless of the season. Thanks for being here, Michele!
Being rooted in truth and goodness is truly a beautiful thing. I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m definitely an over-thinker too and could use some work in this area ;). Good to see you today, friend.
I’m right there with you, Candace. It’s a constant thing in my mind! I hope you’re doing well. I’m glad you’re here today. xo
Kristin, my desire is to be less distracted this year. My word last year was “see” and I learned quickly that I can easily see things that truly won’t matter a hill of beans. Only as I stay focused, taking my thoughts captive, will I be better able to live boldly and courageously this year – moving forward into all that He has for me.
My granddaughters are also receiving a classical education so I very much appreciated the quote and will read the entire article. The website looks wonderful and will be passing all of this along 🙂
Thank you for blessing me in many ways this morning! Have a great Wednesday!
I was just talking to Cate last night about faith I’d be willing to act when we can’t see what’s going to happen. I’m so glad you could be encouraged this morning and I’m grateful for your encouragement for me. xoxo
Yes and yes, I have that wrote on our homeschool white-board, need that reminder everyday to keep the focus on what is important.
It’s a good quote and I know I’m not done thinking about it. 🙂
We are so much alike. I’m the same way – the whole overthinking things and reading between the lines that aren’t there. I love that you use the verse about taking our thoughts captive. Our message at church on Sunday was about cutting off fruitless thoughts in our life. I’m trying really hard to do that – to think on whatever is pure and lovely.
Pruning is always hard and I think cutting off fruitless thoughts is especially hard because the smallest things prompt them to creep back in. Praying for you (and me!) as we work on this. Thank you for being here. Love you!
Are the children being taught the Classical Conversation curriculum? I know how awesome that is!!!
They go to a classical Christian school that uses a combination of a few different curriculums. We’ve loved it so much.
Truth Goodness and Beauty – yes, great words to focus on and how blended make such a sweet aroma of Christ. Blogging a bit about truth and grace today at my place. This was a wonderful read for me today.
I’m looking forward to reading your post today. I love when God puts his people on the same page like that!
Oh friend, I am so guilty of THIS too: “I’ve been known to overthink things, replaying or anticipating conversations, reading between the lines that aren’t actually there, and planning reactions before they’re even necessary. I’m learning when I let my thoughts be captive and obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5) and think about whatever is true, noble, and lovely (Phil. 4:8), then I’m not left overthinking and dwelling on things of this world. Rather my focus is on what matters. And that’s a beautiful thing rooted in truth and goodness.” Amen sister! 🙂
It’s good not to be alone. 🙂 Glad you’re here!
Oh, how my focus has been so clouded by everything in the world (both real and online). I am desperately needing some soul space to clear the fog and find Jesus.
Thank you for the reminder.
Soul space is precious. I hope you have some. I know how those clouds are. Thanks for being here, Becky!
Yes! Captive thoughts and thinking on goodness. I’ve been focusing on that in this season that feels a bit murky and uncertain – remembering that God is good and that while I feel like I don’t know, He does. Love your words today, friend – but then I always do. Have I mentioned that we should do coffee?! If only. xoxo
We should totally do coffee. I mean, I wouldn’t drink coffee because I don’t like it, but I would drink something else there. And eat pastry. AND TALK TO YOU FACE TO FACE. One day, friend. I would love it so. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me. xoxo
Kristin, I’ve seen quotes on these 3 virtues as well over the years as we’ve homeschooled. In a word gone wild, those virtues are a helpful filter for sure. They seem old fashioned but boy are they refreshing! Thank you for hosting. Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year.
It’s one of those things I’ve heard before but it struck me in a new way, which is always good. 🙂 Thanks for being here, Lisa.
Good stuff. I miss reading your words on a regular basis. Need to change that. Glad I stopped by today. I adore you, friend. I really, really do.
You know I miss you, love you, and adore you right back. Come back to Tennessee, and let me know when you come. 🙂 xoxo
Andrew Kern is one of my all-time favorite speakers, writers, thinkers. And he Truth, Goodness, and Beauty….sister, there is so much depth there. The world twists all three words, taking them out of context and covering them with the gloss of autonomous theology. And how grateful I am that we found the nugget of blessing in choosing Classical Education. Solo Deo Gloria!!! You’d love Leigh Bortins books on classical education if you want to read mor and Norms and Nobility is one of my most favorites!!
Thanks for the other book recommendations! 🙂 It’s so true that people twist what’s God’s truth and make it into something so distorted that it’s not even recognizable anymore. Parenting has prompted me to look at my own faith in such a deeper way. Thanks for being here, Dawn!