Wonder is one of my three W’s for 2019.
The spiritual practice of wonder enriched my silent retreat earlier this month. As I stilled my heart and mind, God’s wonders revealed themselves more and more and soon I was surrounded by delights found in his creation.
What is Wonder?
According to the dictionary, this experience is “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.”
Another way of saying this is: “rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to one’s experience.”
This sensation often carries an element of surprise or seeing something new or in a fresh way. There may be hint of curiosity and joy too.
Spirituality and Practice offers this insight:
“Wonder begins in the senses, comes alive in the imagination, and flourishes in adoration of the Divine. It arises from our natural curiosity about the grand adventure of life.”
Why Not Wonder?
What stops us from this gift of wonder?
- Busyness?
- Distractions?
- Spiritual blindness?
- Adulthood expectations?
I think all these barriers prevent me from fully entering the world’s wonders.
What stops you?
Ways of Wonder
During my retreat, slowing down and paying attention helped me see more marvels and amazing surprises. Now home I must remember to pause, look, and listen more often even during ordinary days and routine work.
I watched a spider descend on an invisible thread and dance on two hind legs on the windowsill.
Birds soared on unseen wind currents, rarely moving their wings – dancing with the breeze.
Trees waves their branches in praise of their Maker.
I smiled when I startled a groundhog on one of my many walks – not sure which one of us jumped more but we nodded, and both continued on our separate ways.
God’s creation – visible and invisible, supportive and existing alongside of all, in spite and with all. A connection – like that unseen spider filament – to Life greater and beyond.
- Wonder delights.
- Wonder invites.
- Wonder leads to worship.
- Wonder invokes gratitude.
- Wonder reminds me there is always more, More.
- Wonder is a powerful spiritual practice.
I updated a free download to accompany this topic. “10 Ways to Wake Up your Wonder” is a printable available at no cost by clicking the button at the end of this post. Enjoy!
How does the spiritual practice of wonder affect your life and bring you closer to God?
We’ve been traveling through South Dakota this week, and it’s been easy to stop and wonder at all the new things. But yes, once I’m back home, I must continue to remember to pause, look, and listen in the ordinary places where God is just as evident. Thanks, Jean! I love your practice of wonder.
Yes yes travel helps me see with wonder too. Great reminder!
The spiritual practice of wonder draws my heart closer to God, as I appreciate and celebrate his creative genius. Together we enjoy his handiwork! Wish I had started years ago to pay more attention to the wonder around me. So glad you shared that quote from Spirituality and Practice, Jean–copied it into my journal. An intriguing thought that wonder plus imagination can produce augmented adoration. Will have to visit their website when I have time. Thank you, Jean!
Love how your put it: God’s creative genius. perfect description.
Ah! The wonder of it all! Yes, Jean, I haven’t lost my sense of wonder, for which I am forever grateful. I make a point of trying to look at ordinary things with a fresh understanding and appreciation. Maybe it’s nurturing the inner child that makes that possible? Whatever it is, I know I’m blessed with it.
Blessings to you, my friend!
You are so blessed to maintain a sense of wonder – so many adults lose it. Do you think it is because we stay close to our grandkids? I know they help me see things with wider eyes and heart.