So says Terri McKay, Deborah Kerr’s character in the movie “An Affair To Remember. ” She is in tears after meeting Nickie Ferrante’s (Cary Grant) grandmother Janou and praying in her lovely little chapel.  He looks at her, questioning her tears, and her response is, “Beauty does that to me.”

I felt that way tonight.  As I was riding home tonight, the rain was falling and the beautiful sounds of the music from Out of Africa were filling the air.  I think it is some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard.  It made me think of the gorgeous images in the movie of the spectacular African countryside.  And with all that in my mind and filling my senses, my eyes began to fill with tears for a moment.  All I could think of was that I wanted to channel that emotion into something creative.  I wanted to sing, to draw, to paint, to write… just anything to take that beauty and turn it into creation.

What makes you feel like that?  What gives you the drive and desire to create?  What do you do for inspiration so that your creativity is sparked?  Beautiful music is, for me, a primary source of inspiration.  Beautiful visuals also do that for me.  If I see a particularly moving movie, I am there.  I believe the source of all beauty is our Creator, and I believe He gives us our desire to create.  So, taking those emotions and channeling them into creativity must bring honor to Him.   That’s what it’s all about really.

If you’re curious or you’ve never heard it, check out the Out of Africa Soundtrack at Amazon.