I wish I had more awe in my life. I think Jesus wishes I did, too. I used to experience awe more frequently when I was a kid, when I was new at my job, when I took the train downtown the first 100 times or so, when I had time to deliberately do the chores in my garden. I felt awe when my daughters were born, when the waters of baptism flowed over their foreheads. Whatever happened to awe? Well, I discovered that “awe” comes after “awareness” in my topical concordance. Awe follows awareness in life, as well. I suspect there will always be a shortage of awe if you are not paying attention.
I don’t expect to encounter burning bushes in my life, but I can watch maples turn to flame each autumn and daffodils come back to life each spring. Miracles are happening around me if only I choose to be aware. If I open my eyes and my heart, I will discover what happened to awe.
This message is adapted from “Whatever Happened to Awe?” written by Tom McGrath in the April 1997 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine. Today is the second Sunday of Easter. Please pray for traveling mercies for the Women of the ELCA executive board members who return to their homes today.
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