How to Experience Wonder and Joy

My husband embodies wonder. Have you ever known someone like that? When he’s driving, he will pull over and get out to take a photo of anything that strikes him as beautiful: clouds, fog, trees, water. When I’m rushed, this tendency of his annoys me. When I am present in the moment, I giggle at him the way one does at an excited child. His wonder is inspiring and contagious. It also, I believe, embodies a crucial connection to the Creator.

So how do we make this crucial connection? One way is by seeing beauty. Slowing down in order to see the beauty God has created all around us is a key path to oneness with him. We cannot help but be pulled closer to Him.

When we experience wonder at the beauty of Creation, we often stumble onto another pathway to wonder: gratitude. Giving thanks is the key to joy. Seeing the world with a sense of gratitude leads to joy in the giver of all things, and there is so much to be grateful for if we are willing to see it. Of course, the enemy tells us that’s not true. Satan whispers that what we have, who we are, who we’re with, is not enough. He whispers that we are victims, suffering from a lack of good things.

The truth is that God has blessed us beyond our comprehension. His creation is a testament to his generosity. The community he offers us through his Spirit and those we love are also opportunities for gratitude. Try writing down what you are grateful for and see if you can stay angry, depressed,  or disillusioned. I know I can’t. When I really focus on the gifts God has placed all around me, I cannot help but experience wonder.

So when you drive your child to school today, notice the clouds. When it is cloudy and overcast, marvel at how the fog rolls in. Grab a scrap of paper or a notebook and jot down something you are thankful for. I promise you’ll experience wonder and joy in the process.

Jessica Wolfe is a coach, writer, producer, wife, and mom. Justice advocate. Iced tea drinker. Avid reader. Part-time cyclist and photographer. Lover of Jesus. Catch Jessica’s sporadic musings at choosinglovenotfear.postach.io.