The Joy of Wonder

I just returned from an afternoon walk in the woods near my office. The cobwebs in my brain were cleared by an encounter with the majesty of God's creation. A monarch butterfly flew into my path, soon to be joined by other butterflies. The delicacy of design and the extraordinary beauty overwhelmed me. In my joy of wonder, I realized how infrequently I experience God in His creation around me — the animals, birds, flora and people He has placed in my path. What a shame to so often miss the joy!

Just as I experienced God in his creation, many in Jesus' day experienced the amazement and astonishment of meeting God Incarnate as he taught with authority, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. Yet their amazement was short-lived and followed by:

• Skepticism (Matthew 13:54-58)
• Apathy and anger (Matthew 22:15-22)
• Talk but no action (Mark 7:31-37)

But the apostle Peter, in his astonishment resulting from an incredible encounter with Jesus (Luke 5:1-11), fell to his knees in humble submission.

I must confess I rarely find myself on my knees before God with an attitude of humble submission. But today a butterfly accomplished that feat. Praise be to God!

Look around this week. God wants us to know the joy of wonder found in Him and respond in humility.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said,

"Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8)

Sharing the journey with you,