I believe there is something inherently childlike about wonder. You can see it on children’s faces during magical movie moments where imagination explodes from the screen. Yet, the same wonder can be found on their faces when a ladybug lands on their nose. Children are so open to wonder, they will find it anywhere.
Can you remember a time as a child when you were completely taken back? Can you think of a time in the past few years, as adults, when you’ve experienced that type of wonder? The type of captivating, breath-taking, halting wonder? I hope you have!
I was reminded recently of some lyrics I wrote over 12 years ago.
I am like a child
Wide-eyed in wonder
Your greatness
Keeps me watching
The thing is, those lyrics didn’t come from a wonderful, child-like experience. They came out of a terrible season, maybe even the hardest year of my life. Somehow in the middle of it, the faithfulness of God had my undivided attention. I was open to his wonder. I’m still fascinated as ever with Jesus. But I find myself keeping busy while I wait on him.
The picture I see is of me is curled up in a comfortable chair with a blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and a good magazine while I’m waiting on the show to start. It is in stark contrast to a child sitting on the edge of his seat, knees bouncing up and down in excitement, asking every ten seconds, “When’s it gonna start?” “Why is it taking so looonnggg?” “Are we there yet?”
Sure, some of my laid back posture is maturity and experience. “The show will start when it starts, ” I remind myself. But what if my relaxed, semi-distracted posture is a loss of expectation? Am I trying to guard myself against disappointment? I convince myself, “If nothing else, I’ve got my popcorn and the latest scoop from Chip and Joanna’s life.”
God isn’t a show, he has no start time or ending. He is always — always moving, always speaking. His smallest movement shakes the heavens.
So my prayer today (this advent season) is that God’s faithfulness pushes me to the edge of my seat. That his greatness captivates all my sense of wonder; and that I can’t keep my eyes off of him. I’m not just here for the big stuff, Jesus. I don’t want to miss the smallest move you make.
(for the record — I love Chip and Joanna and everything they are doing. Just using them as an example for a million different things 🙂
Brave Sparrow 