Seize Your Own Moment of Wonder!

2011 is upon us. Remember to make the most of every breath He's given you; seize the wonders around you; and don't be afraid to share His love to the fullest. There will never be another year like this one!


This little thought was from my own little mind a couple of days ago as I was reflecting on our family, the new year, and new dynamics that are impacting our family life. I wrote and posted this on my Facebook status on Tuesday, January 4. To-date, no one has commented on it or left a "thumbs up" like. For some reason, that is kind of bothering me. While I know I shouldn't look for affirmation from friends alone, I really thought I had something meaningful to share that could encourage others. I mean, my identity and my feelings of acceptance really should come from the Creator of the Universe, right?

I'm still fascinated by "Wonder" and every day God opens my eyes to new wonders around me. Whether it's the series of dead mice in our horses' water buckets or the pink glow of an ever-changing, amazing sunset I see each night as I drive home from work. I'm sure you're wondering what I could possibly learn from the dead mice. Well . . . let me tell you.

We've had a lot of dry weather out here on the prairie this past summer and fall and I'm sure the little micekins are thirsty—seeking out water. However, their tiny mice brains just can't fathom the peril involved in perching atop the lip of a water bucket and bending over for a tasty drink. Aren't we as frail humans a bit like that sometimes as well? Something we're craving drives us to ruin because we can't see the perils that potentially lie ahead. We don't take the time to consider the risks, to analyze the outcomes—we just scurry around and around and jump head-long without abandon into the water bucket only to find ourselves drowning in our own selfish depravity. Okay, enough of the downer observations.

I originally intended this blog entry to captivate your imagination; inspire to love. So, here goes round 2 of this particular blog entry. Sorry I got distracted with the micekins. I'm just a crazy goofball who seems to always see some lesson in every little incident I encounter.

Since the vegetation has dried up and winter is upon it, sometimes we give up looking for the joy in nature; even joy in life. Instead, my mind has turned to seizing the wonders all around me whether it's a crooked smile, an outburst of laughter, or a knowing look, God wants me to experience His wonders. The wonders of relationship, the miracles of God's love.

Moments slip by in a cadenced march that we never seem to be able to catch up to. And, sometimes this makes me sad wondering whether I'm missing out on an opportunity to witness a miracle or catch God's ultimate vision for me in that particular moment.

So with all that said, I encourage each and every one of you to "seize your own moment of wonder." Don't miss an opportunity to love; an opportunity to serve; an opportunity to witness the wonders God has placed within your vision. The moment that truly matters to you or someone else may never come this way again.