The picture is licensed under Creative Commons (BY-SA; author unknown).
When is the last time you experienced awe? You know, when you beheld something so beautiful or inspiring that everything else just faded into the periphery for a moment? Maybe it was on vacation; possibly looking at the sheer magnitude of an ocean, or the peaceful beauty of a national park, or the majesty of a mountain range. It could also be listening to a stunning piece of music, like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. You could even experience awe when looking at a piece of art, like Michelangelo’s David in Florence, or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome.
You might be thinking, That would be great! I would definitely experience awe staring at the Sistine Chapel or the Grand Tetons. But how often does one get to do that? OK, fair. But when is the last time you took a few minutes to step outside on a starry night and stare at the heavens? Even better, did you bring your family out with you and all enjoy it together?
God created us to delight in awe. For children, it seems to come naturally. As adults, we tend to lose interest. Perhaps we feel too busy or stressed to have time for awe. Maybe we don’t value it enough. Awe is in our DNA (not literally, at least not that I know of), but as I just said, God created us to experience awe, and when we do so, to thank the Creator of that which inspired the feeling in us. It just makes sense. God created all things and delighted in what He created. He said it was good—very good. He wants us to delight in it too. Not just as kids, but our entire lives. Google the medical benefits of awe. You’ll be surprised.
You know those sappy Christmas movies that make you want to believe in Santa? The Polar Express practically guilts you into it with the bell that can only be heard by those who still believe. The truth is, we adults need to relearn the value of awe. It reconnects us with the world around us and with God, while filling us with gratitude and reminding us that we’re small; it’s not all about us. We should be seekers of awe. And let me tell you, you aren’t likely to find it staring at your phone.
I’ve saved the best for last. You can experience awe every day. Delight in your family: your spouse, your children, or even those in your life who are as close as family. They are mysteriously and wonderfully made. They have immortal souls. And even if you’ve been married forty years, your spouse is still wholly other than you, and you will never plum the depths of his or her soul. Smile, hug, play a game. Delight in those you love. Appreciate their gifts and abilities that you’ll never have. Take time for awe.
