Saturday, December 15, 2012

Rediscovering Wonder

We live in a world where most things are explainable.  There are fewer and fewer mysteries left to be explained.  Scientists have been able to send robotic submarines to the deepest pats of the oceans to discover and explain what lives in these remote areas. Rocket ships have been sent to the moon, to Mars and to the edge of our universe to discover if life exists outside our planet and to learn more about the scientific processes of creation.  
 
It seems there are few things left to discover.  There are no new worlds to discover.  The universe has been mapped and distant stars are named.   
 
I prefer to live in a world where discovery and mystery and wonder still exist.  I prefer to live in a world where I can still ask ‘why?” and maybe never know the answer. When was the last time you wondered about anything?  When was the last time you experienced something unexplainable?  
 
Wonder surrounds us; all we have to do is allow ourselves to experience the wonder.  Some call it having a childlike heart.  I think of Jesus instructing his followers to change and become like little children so they may enter the kingdom of heaven.  Imagine experiencing the kingdom of heaven (which we can experience here and now) with a childlike heart.
 
My friend, and one of my favorite authors, Margaret Feinberg has a new book releasing on Christmas day: “Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God.”  Recently I was sent a sample of the book and I found myself smiling and laughing as I read through it.  And it challenged me to see the wonder that exists around me.  Throughout the book Margaret displays her childlike heart, even in the ways she prays: 
 
“More than anything, what I long for is our God, the One who bedazzled the heavens and razzle-dazzled the earth, to meet us in such a way during our time in Scotland that we find ourselves awestruck by his goodness and generosity, his provision and presence. I’m praying for pixie dust. I want to leave here with a sense of wonderment as we encounter and experience things only God can do.” 
 
When have you ever prayed for pixie dust?  Maybe it is time for a heart check-up, a time to rediscover your childlike heart. 
 
Margaret is offering the book at a reduced price on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $7.57.  The book would make an awesome Christmas gift (I have gifted many of Margaret’s books in the past).  This offer is only valid through the end of the day, December 25th. 
 
Join me as we all learn to live wonderstruck together!