As you know, my “one word” this year is Seek. My heart’s desire this year is to seek God with all that I am. It’s only been two months, but my journey has been rich and filling. Yet there is still far to go. While in most travels we seek only the destination, I am seeking to enjoy the journey.

Recently, I’ve been convicted of my cynical heart. I often view the world through a half empty glass and respond to life circumstances with sarcasm and a “what did you expect?” kind of mentality.

But I want to wear different glasses. I want to seek the wonder of God. I want to be wonderstruck by His creation, by His power, His love, by all things little and all things great. My kids are easily impressed and fascinated by every new thing they learn. As an adult, it seems as though the more we know, the less in awe we are. There is less discovery and amazement and more boredom and cynicism. I want to recapture that amazement that my children have.

Like someone visiting the ocean for the first time, I want to be blown away by the magnificent wonder of who God is.

In fact, I live by the ocean but I rarely go there. I’ve become jaded. I take life for granted. I forget that all is grace and the simple fact that I breath in and exhale again is a wonder in and of itself. Each day is a gift, not a guarantee. The bed I lay in at night, the car I drive, my family, the friends I hang out with, all gifts of abundant grace. Because I don’t deserve a even a single thing.

And yet God give and gives. Amazing grace!

“The deeper we grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become - the more we realize that everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble and joyful thanksgiving. Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.” Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel

To peel away my layers of cynicism, I need to get up close and see the glorious wonder of God from a different perspective. Instead of just looking at the landscape of life from a distance, I need to get near and look at the detailed brush strokes, the varying hues of color, and the creativity of the Artist. I need to get out my magnifying glass and see the marvelous design of this life He’s given me.

Because if I don’t, I’ll live as though I’ve seen it all and there is nothing left to see. Like someone who has been in church their entire lives and thinks they’ve heard it all, I don’t want my faith to become luke warm. I want it to be vibrant and alive. I don’t want my relationship with Christ to be like an old married couple who just tolerates each other, merely marking off the years. I want to be passionate about my love for Christ. And I want it to change me, shake me, and transform me.

As I continue in this journey, I am seeking Him and the wonder of who He is, the wonder of His love, the wonder of His creative works, and the wonder of His redemptive plan. I’m diving into His Word, seeking the wonder of His story. I’m seeking Him like a child in prayer, marveling at the way He answers and provides. I’m looking for Jesus in all the details of my daily life.

Because His grace is everywhere and all of life is grace.

“We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment we are standing on holy ground.” Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel

What is causing you to wonder in amazement today?

Rejoicing at the wonder of grace in community (#2133-2145):

Life, breath, and everything else (Acts 17:25)

The feel of crisp cool air

Steam rising off the top of the pool

Being invited to contribute to a new project with the CBMW.

Courage

Reaching 1000 likes on my FB page

My son asking me to have a sleep over with him:)

The grace God has given my kids who’ve been sick the past month but have handled it well

The joy found in prayer

The lessons in faith I learn as we study missionaries in homeschool

Friends who pray for me and support me in this journey

Isaiah 43:19

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