Wonder is a tricky thing. We scarcely recognize it until it sneaks up on us—and we can lose it without even knowing it. That’s how it happened on the Hollar Trail at King’s Camp.
When Ava (9) and Emma (7) invited me to join them on their hike, I was unprepared for the visual karate chop that came our way. The dense greenery and delicately bloomed undergrowth made me almost forget the ugliness of urban cement. And the soundtrack of birds and bugs whisked the last of the gritty city away.
The woods offer a fragrance that rejuvenates. And the winding creek speaks the language of refreshment.
As we trekked along, it was the most natural thing in the world to keep up a dialogue with Ava and Emma about the greatness of our Creator, and the awesomeness of His works. The walk became worship.
I came away charmed, relaxed, grateful—and sorry our walk had ended. So, when Ava and Emma suggested we do the same walk the very next morning, it was not a tough decision.
Know what I noticed on that second walk? Not as much. I noticed fewer sounds, took in less beauty, and observed less magic. It was the same wonderful path, of course. And we thoroughly enjoyed the walk. But I found myself having to discipline my thoughts and actively work to thank and praise God. Wonder is a tricky thing.
Maybe wonder and worship are not so different. I suspect they are at least cousins. Because worship must take its first steps as wonder. If we are not awed by an encounter with God’s greatness, our praise will be hollow and puny.
Which is why the easiest thing in the world is to stand in church on Sunday morning, listen to the band, wave our hands—but not really personalize, let alone ponder, the words to the songs we call worship.
Familiarity is no friend to worship. Though we think it should be easy and automatic, it turns out there’s a work side to worship. Anything of value takes work, including worship.
Wonder is a wonderful thing—when it finds us. But worship is a deliberate choice to ponder the wonder we’ve already experienced. It’s a personal declaration that refuses to forget and chooses to remember the greatness of who God is and what He’s done. And sometimes, that takes work.
Lord, help us remember to remember!
People will speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They will burst forth in speaking of Your abundant goodness, and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness. -Psalm 145:6,7