Wonder, a Sacred Gift

The tree is down; the ornaments are safely boxed, and the wrapping paper is recycled.  Christmas, it’s a wrap!  Today, on the eve of a New Year, I wonder what’s in store!

Wonder! Such a Gift!
To think or speculate curiously
to be filled with admiration,
amazement, or awe; to marvel

Wonder Remains

In Foolsgold, Susan Wooldridge writes, “I wonder if asking, inside and out, may well be at the heart of a creative way of being in the world. The words I wonder seem to open the way for a solution or at least a possibility. … Notice what happens when you begin to ask within and without quietly.  See how your world deepens, and allow what you need and dream to come forth.”

• I wonder what this new year will hold!
• I wonder how I can simplify the yardwork but still have the flowers I love –
• I wonder about volunteering – how I might be more helpful –
• I wonder what household purging I should tackle next –
• I wonder if there is another creative outlet I should pursue
• I wonder what new person I might meet next week –
• 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 even better with my grandsons –
• I wonder about blogging – should I change it up? keep the same focus-
• I wonder how God will show up today, this week, this year –
• I wonder how I might serve Him more faithfully this year –
• I just wonder …

Margeret Feinberg writes in her book, Wonderstruck, this challenge — pray for wonder and to live expectantly for how God may gift us with the answer!  She says,

“The wonder of God is that moment of spiritual awakening
that makes us curious to know God more.”

Margaret Feinberg

I pray for wonder on the eve of this new year!

I PRAISE YOU FOR WHAT IS YET TO BE
Wondrous Worker of Wonders,
I praise you, not alone for what has been,
  or for what is,
    but for what is yet to be,
for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
I praise you
that out of the turbulence of my life
  a kingdom is coming,
    is being shaped even now
      out of my slivers of loving,
                 my bits of trusting,
                 my sprigs of hoping,
                 my tootles of laughing,
                 my drips of crying,
                 my smidgens of worshiping;
that out of my songs and struggles,
  out of my griefs and triumphs,
    I am gathered up and saved,
for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
I praise you
that you turn me loose
  to go with you to the edge of now and maybe,
    to welcome the new,
      to see my possibilities,
        to accept my limits,
and yet begin living to the limit
  of passion and compassion
    until, released by joy,
      I uncurl to other people
        and to your kingdom coming.
for you are gracious beyond all telling of it.
Amen

Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace

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“May you experience each day as a sacred gift
woven around the heart of wonder.”

― John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong