As the final hours of the year pass, I am captivated by the word “wonder.” It’s not the temporary wonder of fireworks exploding nearby in a neighbor’s sky or the excitement of resolutions yet to be considered. Instead, it’s a more profound, soul-stirring wonder—the awe that brings us closer to the Creator.
Wonder gently calls to us in quiet moments, encouraging us to look beyond the ordinary. It captures a child’s fascination at seeing a butterfly’s fragile wings and inspires us to appreciate a vibrant sunset even when tired and grumpy. Wonder is the spark that rekindles our faith when we are bogged down in the routines of life.
David may have felt this kind of wonder when he penned Psalm 8:
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:3-4 NIV).
His words remind us that wonder is not an escape from reality but a gateway to seeing reality through God’s eyes.
What do you wonder as the New Year slips in the door?
I spent just a few minutes typing out my thoughts to the prompt, “I wonder …” These are not in any particular order—some are deeper than others. What do you wonder?
- I wonder if I can learn a new skill this year —
- I wonder where I might travel —
- I wonder what new or fresh thing (or idea) might come my way in 2025 —
- I wonder if there is another creative outlet I should pursue —
- I wonder if I can exhibit more fruit of the Spirit —
- I wonder how I might be more of an encourager – less of a complainer
- I wonder what new person I might meet next week –
- I wonder how God will surprise me this year —
- I wonder what I might learn next –
- I wonder how I might be a better friend to the women in my life –
- I wonder how I might connect more deeply with my grandsons –-
- I wonder about writing – how to connect better with readers—
- I wonder how God will show up today, this week, this year –
- I wonder how I might be more like Jesus —
- I wonder how I might serve God more faithfully this year –
- I just wonder …
As 2025 slips in the door, let’s nurture the habit of wonder. Maybe tonight or tomorrow, pause briefly to see the intricate beauty of God’s handiwork in your spouse, children, or even your neighborhood!!
May this year be a journey of rediscovering the extraordinary in the ordinary, of living with hearts wide open to the wonders God has yet to reveal. In wonder, we find worship—and in worship, we find Him.
“The wonder of God is that moment of spiritual awakening that makes us curious to know God more.”
— Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck
Also published on Substack.
Great challenge and encouragement. I love it!