Have You Lost Your Wonder?
Have you lost your sense of wonder? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines wonder as a cause of astonishment or admiration, the quality of exciting amazed admiration and rapt attention at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience. So I ask you again. Have you lost your sense of wonder?
I work with little children in a private school. Three and four year old children are filled with a sense of wonder. Everything is new to them. I love to watch the look of excitement in their eyes as they observe a bird or a flower that has bloomed. The simple every things we take for granted are viewed so differently through their eyes.
How easy it is to go through life not noticing the wonder of God’s creation. Living in Arizona, I’ve visited the Grand Canyon many times. The first time I looked over the canyon, I was overwhelmed. The beauty of the colors and the formation of the rocks were a sight to see. But I recently read that most people spend about 15 minutes viewing the canyon and snapping a photo and …they’re gone.
We spend more time on our phones and internet!
I alternate my drive to work between two routes. One is the freeway which tends to be faster since there are no lights. But I find I am often oblivious to my surroundings as I get lost in my thoughts. I’ve even had the occasion when I missed my exit because I wasn’t paying attention. Not a good thing. The other route to work takes me through beautiful mountains and more interesting scenery. However, I have to drive slower as there are several speed traps. It takes me a little longer to get to work but I get to observe so much beauty.
I thought of wonder the other day as I observed the excitement of the children when a plane was flying overhead. They immediately stopped what they were doing and began excitedly pointing. They were observing the white vapor trailing the plane called the contrail, a term I only recently learned myself. How often have I seen that sight and not given it a second thought?
Psalm 19 begins in verse 1 with “The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hand.”
How often do you take the time to look at the stars in the sky? Do you observe the work of God’s hand?
I pray that I will never lose that wonder. I don’t want to be so preoccupied with busyness and things that don’t matter and miss out on the wonder of God’s creation. How about you?
Blessings and love,
Couldn’t agree more, and soo easy to do sometimes as we get caught up in day to day life. But it is all around us. I was struck with wonder the other day driving up the coast. Seriously it was soo beautiful. The sun was hitting the water just right making it glisten, the waves were kind of big and crashing up against the rocks, the palm trees were slightly blowing in the wind, there were a few seagulls flying around, honestly it was just GORGEOUS. Or then there was sitting in church holding my youngest grandson as he slept peacefully in my arms his little hand clutching his blanket and his breath so sweet and even, yes, there is the wonder of God EVERYWHERE we just have to open our eyes and see it and appreciate it. Thanks for this post Debbie, great way to start my day! Enjoy the wonder of yours!
I love that you enjoyed the wonder of the beautiful scenery. I love that part of the country and wish I could get there more often. But the best wonder of all is that little grandson!
Oh, to always see the world with the eyes of a child! This makes me think of how Jesus said that we all needed to have hearts like children – innocent, pure, full of wonder and faith! Thanks for this reminder today, Debbie! I’m going to look at my day differently now!
Blessings, Joan
I’m so glad Joan. Sometimes all we need is a little reminder. 🙂
I just recently discovered this blog…I’m really enjoying reading it. Today’s post is very similar to one I have scheduled for tomorrow. I’ve been reminded by my grandchildren to be on the look-out for amazing things that God does…out of the mouths of babes!
Thank you for stopping by Marie!
A beautiful post Debbie, and obviously it helps to be reminded to appreciate the world around us and all God has given to us. When I take my evening walks with the dog (cats always follow), I get to look for constellations of stars that bring back wonderful memories of people, places and things. One more comment, I have a broad and appreciation for music, and in this case an Elvis song comes to mind, “The Wonder of You”. Peace and Prayers,
I love this Debbie! I often think of how we as a whole have lost our wonder and awe. We serve such a awesome God,yet we forget it too often. Thank you for your words today!
I agree with you Heather. And we do serve an awesome God.
I enjoyed reading this and your pictures.
Too often we are rushing and busy and don’t pay attention.
Thank you Bethany.
Excellent post. Good writing. Timely words for a fast moving world. Thank you.
Thank you for the reminder. Yes, we need to stop, look and listen:)
Amen to that, Debbie. I am with you that I do not want to miss out on the wonder God creates around us. Thank you for the reminder to sometimes take a break and look around.