“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.”  

I recently began reading The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, and the quote above is an excerpt from the book. It has already been wonderful and thought-provoking, but there was one chapter that particularly struck me and left me thinking for a while. 

This particular chapter is on the topic of wonder. When did we lose our sense of wonder? I never want to stop being captivated by the Lord. Below is a prayer I wrote in my journal because I cannot take my mind off of this topic!

“Lord, please give me a sense of wonder. I never want to miss out on the feeling of awe, reverence, wonder. Help me see You in the face of every person I meet - to marvel at their beauty. Help me never be too busy or rushed to stop and smell the flowers, lay in my hammock and feel the breeze, or sit in awe as I watch the colors of the sunset change. Help me to never take for granted the beauty of a piece of artwork, the joy of going on a walk with a friend, or the excitement of the first sip of a latte. I never want to stop myself from enjoying a hot chocolate chip cookie (or the dough). I never want to be too worried about my hair to drive with the windows down. Never stop my amazement when I see the tiny toes of a newborn or get to hold the weathered hands of my great grandma. Remind me how sweet it is when I find new music or sit down and watch a movie with my family. Help me to never lose my wonder. I want to be in awe of You - Your creativity, Your splendor, Your love. Help me to see Your hand and experience Your love in every little thing. I never want to become complacent or grow numb to Your marvelous works, scandalous grace, or immense love. Abba, my heart is Yours. Thanks for the ways You continuously woo me.” 

Wonder makes life more fun and brings me closer to the heart of the Father. I never want to lose that wonder.