At the beginning of the year, I was given a single word upon which to meditate from a group of ladies I have the privilege of leading. The word I was given was wonder. Typically, I wait on God to receive a word from him to set the theme for the year. This year's theme seems to be intentionality. At first, the two words seemed diametrically opposed.
Wonder means "Maintaining the innocent ability to respond to what is surprising, beautiful, and amazing." It compliments creativity and imagination. It transcends boredom and cynicism. My nature and personality veers toward cynicism—its something I have to vigilantly weed out. But I am also blessed with a family that developed creativity and imagination. I try to do the same for my children. My son is more like me. My daughter, on the other hand, overflows with joyous wonder!
Intentionality means "Done by intention or design." It has become clear to me over the last several months that maintaining innocent ability to respond to what is surprising, beautiful, and amazing requires intentionality. I must intentionally design a schedule that makes room for the surprising, beautiful, and amazing to catch me unawares. I must intentionally maintain innocence and reject cynicism by staying close to God's cleansing presence by not pursuing the "next." I must intentionally maintain vulnerability and humility to respond in wonder over things that do not normally inspire wonder or have become ordinary to me.
This intentionality has brought me to deeply re-consider tenets and sacraments of faith that have become worn out with use or familiarity, such as the gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven. It is a delight to handle—with wonder—the sacraments not as familiar vessels but instead as aspects of the Kingdom of Heaven breaking in. (This is reformation or what some lump into the word "deconstruction.")
The more we take time to read, contemplate, and accept the revelations of God—His works, character, and thoughts—the more our lives will be brought to the deep union or fellowship with Christ, through which the purposes of God will be perfectly fulfilled.
As I mourn friends and family who have passed this year, I find wonder in the belonging we have in Christ. As I wrestle with reformation, I find wonder in revelations of who he is. As I manage busy children and responsibilities, I find wonder in his consecration of my roles as I serve. As I fight to establish and maintain disciplines, I find wonder in his nearness. I wonder at the safety I find in him. I wonder at this God revealed to us who resides in us. I wonder at the provisions of the gospel and his kingdom. Eternal life takes on new meaning. Sanctification is revealed as the true miracle it is. And on it goes—further, deeper in.
All this wonder leads me to find God and bring him glory:
"There is only one thing that keeps most churches from prospering spiritually... they have yet to find God." - Francis Frangipane
Grace makes himself known.