Awe & Wonder

This Monday morning on my drive to work my mind was all over the place. I wondered where the school bus was that’s usually in front of me, anticipated what was in store for me at work and questioned whether or not I could finish mowing the lawn when I got home. Somewhat distracted, I rounded a curve and gasped in awe!

Suspended above me was a hot air balloon, gracefully gliding in the sky.  Turning my head to the left I was awe-struck again by two more balloons, one on its way down. I was thrilled! As I glanced to my right, two more balloons appeared! I could hardly believe my eyes.

What a wonderful beginning to my morning! The thoughts in my head changed from the worries and cares of the day ahead to rejoicing and thanking God for this special “lift” on a Monday morning. I began to concentrate on praising the Lord for my blessings and praying for friends, family and even strangers and what they were facing in life. Truly a weight was lifted and my heart began to float like the balloons I left behind.

As my car began its ascent into the hills where I work I was suddenly filled with wonder. Over the weekend God had used His paintbrush on the trees all around me.

 

As the sun danced on the leaves I was at a loss for words. I attempted to cry out to God in thanks for the beauty around me, but was truly awestruck at the wonder of His glorious creation and the fact that He put it all there for ME!

I was reminded of the Psalmist’s reflection on the awe and wonder of the Lord:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.              – Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

On days like Monday it is easy to worship God. But some days it’s not. Some days I’m hurried, harried, or just going through the motions of life. I see no awe or wonder when life feels monotonous and I’m struggling to get through the day, physically, mentally or emotionally. 

It’s not that the awe and wonder aren’t there.

It’s just that I’m too self-centered to look around me and see it.

In his book “Crazy Love” Francis Chan gives a similar perspective:

“It may sound ‘un-Christian’ to say that on some mornings I don’t feel like loving God, or I just forget to. But I do. In our world, where hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to intentionally and consistently remind ourselves of Him.”

I agree with Francis that this is the key. I am committing to swim against the tide of apathy and ordinary and wake up to the wonder around me.  I have promised God that I will be more intentional in looking for areas of awe and wonder.

Every day is filled with awe…we just need to allow ourselves to see it.

Wonder is all around us. I wonder why we so often miss it.

Peace in my life’s puzzle includes finding awe and wonder in each day, and remembering to give credit to the God who created it. I wonder if you’ll look closer too.

Blessings and peace to you…

Paula