What Awes You

It was late evening. I was making my way home with only the sounds of the car beneath me breaking the silence. I needed all the quiet I could get. My mind was speeding faster than the vehicle, insistent on snatching back frustrations I was trying to lay at God’s feet, tempting me to look at the problem from yet another angle. Wasn’t there anything I could do while I waited on God to do what I thought He should’ve already done? Time was wasting. Adding to my angst was a growing mental list, chockfull of things I needed to do yesterday. If you can relate, stay with me.

For there, in the midst of my personal tug-of-war, as I tried to pry my claw marks off of my prayers, the sun began setting in shades of pinkish purple that were streaked with bolts of blue and sporting plumes of glorious gold. “Oh, Lord,” became “Ah, Lord God” and everything in me responded. Suddenly, light poles lining the deserted road were wooden crosses approaching in waves, each one whispering grace and reminding me of the Love that never quits loving.

I read where researchers at Stanford University released a new study that says being “awed” by something increases a person’s feeling of time and space. I’ll buy that. It’s just like God to build awe-inspiring beauty and majesty in the world around us and then programming us to respond to it in a way that benefits us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Interestingly enough, happiness was reported to be more short-lived and less calming than awe. I get that, too. Happiness is about me. Awe is about God and He can quiet a soul like nobody’s business. That being said, I’ve got a new goal. I’m hoping you’ll join me. I commit not to let a day close without experiencing awe. And here’s where the good news just gets better—we don’t have to go outside to do it. All we need do is look to Jesus. Ah, Lord God.

Hugs,
Shellie