The Wonder of it All
A cul de sac near out home is locally famous for their Christmas light display. People from around the county come by the car load and bus load to delight in the magical (village) that’s been created. Over the holidays, Ed and I joined our goddaughter and her family for a visit to the cul de sac – and especially to see Santa who drops by on weekends.
A chill in the air, yet not frigid and a little leftover snow from last week’s snowfall made it the perfect night. The drive from our house is under 5 minutes, perhaps a mile and a half in distance. What made it perfect for us made it perfect for the hundreds of people in the lineup of cars down the road to get into the little neighborhood. It took a little while to navigate the traffic, find a parking space, and walk quite a distance to the lights. There was a little bit of complaining, to be sure, and our excitement was a little diminished as we trekked on the sometimes icy sidewalks.
We chatted a bit, admired the displays and provided distractions while we waiting with Izzy in the line to see Santa. Once she could see Santa within her reach, it was such a joy to watch the wonder shine in her eyes. Our hearts quickened and we were warmed by her genuine awe sitting next to the “big guy” and sharing her list and answering his questions.
What causes us to become speechless? Do we grown-ups have fewer experiences of complete awe? Should that be the norm? As adults, we can be so distracted by life and its busyness, that we spend a lot of time in the obstacles – like the traffic jam, or the preparations rather than the moments. In Luke 10, we hear the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was so worried about the details, the preparations and the guests, she missed the joy, the wonder and the moment.
We have to work at wonder. We have to let ourselves settle into it and allow ourselves to experience it. Everyday miracles happen around us and often we are oblivious. We have to work at wonder. Childlike faith – why not for all of us?
Our lives are so filled with distractions and busyness and making everything Pinterest perfect to “create” the wonder for our children and grandchildren, we miss it. We’re the exhausted one slumped in the chair with the “next thing” on our to do list pinging us on our cell phones calendars.
Maybe it’s taking our worldly traditions of resolutions and goal settings for the new year that can bring us to that wonder. Maybe our habit practice can remind us of what wonder feels like when we direct it at the one thing that can truly make us whole. Maybe taking a moment to make things real instead of Pinterest perfect will lead to making time for being intentional. Setting goals so we can create habits that grow our relationship with God brings wonder. That is the work. Seeking. Asking. Waiting. Listening. Answering.
Through the eyes of a child….but what about our own? Our wonder of God’s love for us, our wonder of the birth, the wonder of the promises God makes in His word. Intentional relationship. Awe in the little things. Setting aside time for what is truly important and has the power to change us really. Intentional relationship. God’s greatest desire for us. How will you do the work of wonder this year?
