The Gift of Wonder
The idea of this blog is encouraged from a book I read this past September, by a life friend and sister-in-Christ, entitled WONDER (author Taura Glaze). Through this book God presented an opportunity to PAUSE, OBSERVE and REFLECT. Reflection Moment: Who would have thought an unanticipated move to Atlanta 16 years ago would have lead us into gaining life-long connections with friends who became family/framily experiencing the light of God’s unconditional love.
The chapters and real-life reflections of “interruptions” were enriching with mercy to recall when our life is undergoing changes. To pause with gratitude for God’s keeping power beyond the misunderstood life moments. WONDER offered a space of reflection, redemption and refreshing reminders that God is always with us no matter how array things may seem.
The rushed cadence of this current world does not always offer a space for our heart, soul and mind to fully embrace God’s redemptive love. The hustle bustle drive often causes moments where we miss interpret or lacked the bandwidth to recognize God does have good thoughts towards our life. No matter how hectic or harsh life feels, God desires for us to experience His goodness in every area of our life. (Sidenote: This goodness is not limited to or defined by tangible means alone). Still we can understand, when bad things happen it does not always mean something was done wrong on our part. . .or that there is a personal conspiracy against any of us. Sometimes those “undesired moments” could be an opportunity for God to prove HE IS ENOUGH as JIREH to be a WONDER to our soul.
WONDER was a breath of fresh air for launching into this new season and chapter of God-graced new beginnings. Clarity with peace . . . comforted by grace . . . vigilance with awareness that affirmed past memories/moments do not limit God’s power at work for where He has any of us now. The future can be bright and filled with restorative moments. Pacing into the flow of autumn days . . . the old leaves are falling as needed. Yielding to this season of nature, the crisp breeze and sunshine of fall days offers reminders that God is capable of abiding with us in any season we enter.
Even though it’s November, there is still an unexplainable hope in the light of God’s love being a comfort in every high and low of this life’s journey. Beyond the “dark moments” God still offers an invitation to experience His light in the face of adversity, loss, tragedy, and life just being life. God is a WONDER.
Transparent Moment: God can use the most unbearable or uncomfortable experiences in life to give grace-centered peace beyond man’s understanding. WONDER made it clear, it does not and will not make sense. We as human beings cannot and will not always get “the answer”. But God will extend the light of His love to help us remain focused and obedient to process through what He has given us the capacity and bandwidth to endure. Now acknowledging His sovereignty is not filled with frills and thrills, but it does release the grip of having to make life “perfect”.
Above all, WONDER has been a gracious reminder, that no matter how far we wander from His word, we have so many opportunities to embrace the WONDER of His love in our day to day living. Beyond the troubles of this world, I remain in awe of how God’s love towards us continuously abounds with grace, beyond the error our ways extending mercy as our Abba Father.
WONDER has enriched my faith to believe that nothing we face or encounter catches God by surprise. Encouraged that there is really hope despite the “hard times” and life interruptions. And yes, even beyond our own “human” understanding, there can still be love and light to “sustain” us as we persevere through the most “questionable” encounters. . .remaining obedient and authentic to GOD. . . trusting the WONDER of GOD’s purpose to be fulfilled in your life as you lean into the strength of GOD’S GRACE towards you.
May the WONDER of God’s love shine within your soul, heart and mind with gratitude as HIS LIGHT guides as you navigate your life season.
May we forever be inspired beyond life interruption of His WONDER.
~Corri Rose~