Finding The Wonder In Each Day

If you read my last post, you know how I have a hard time keeping my mind on the right track. I am at an age where I understand this is a cycle that I frequent, but yet can’t seem to prevent it. I am aware that I have to just keep doing the habits I need to and I will get to the other side. Habits like reading my Bible, attending church, praying, and being intentional with my thoughts. Even though I am fully conscious of this, somewhere along the the path, I will slip off into the ditch or take a wrong turn. To be honest, some of those choices are mine to make, other times it just happens even when I feel like I am doing all the right things. It is a season we all face as Christ followers and it is a season we will face multiple times in our walk. But guess what, every season has an ending and it will pass. If you find yourself stuck in a rut, do not lose faith or hope. Keep pressing forward, one step and one day at a time.

Over the past couple of months, it has come to my attention that I have let the devil have a seat at my table. Not only did I let him sit down, but I let him stay for awhile. He knows my weak areas, and I just sat there taking each punch he would send. I believe wholeheartedly that our greatest battles are those within our thoughts. A good scripture to meditate on is Phillipians 4:8. This verse has been so helpful to me over the years.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Phillipians 4:8

Realizing that my focus was off, I started asking God to help me find the wonder again in each day. The definition of wonder is :

To think or speculate curiously; to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe.

It wasn’t a sophisticated prayer, just one that ask him to help me to slow down and open my eyes and heart to see him daily. I have to say that he has answered each day. When I see each wonder, I can’t help but to chuckle and look up and say, I see you God! Now, I don’t actually see God, but I see his handiwork. I see the evidence all around that points back to him. It makes me smile each time. I feel his love for me. I will admit, it is kinda fun to start each day excited. What will he show me today? I will tell you some of my wonders. I am sure some will leave you laughing and scratching your head. You may think what is so neat about that? But the thing is, this is personal. It is between me and God. He knows me. He gets what makes my heart smile.

My wonders –

A groundhog on the side of the road (I told you some would make you scratch your head. And yes the groundhog was alive, just doing it’s own thing.)

A beautiful moth on the wall going into my work

A guy washing his car with the window squeegee at a gas station (Go ahead and laugh, I sure did. It is just something you don’t see often)

Sound of rain coming across a field

The flight pattern of a hummingbird

A young boy with a prosthetic leg. (He didn’t let it slow him down either)

Tree frogs chirping after a rain

Flowers in my garden

A morning fog rolling across the fields

A rainbow after a quick rain shower

Praying out loud with a stranger (Way out of my comfy zone, but God was there. To be honest, this person ask me to pray. I didn’t just volunteer.)

A late bloom on my hibiscus. (I have been waiting all summer)

This has been a blessing to me each day. I am grateful for God’s love and answered prayers. If you find yourself in a season of struggle, or have the mental blues and it seems the skies are constantly gray, ask for God’s help. Sometimes we just need reminders of how blessed we are, and what a good God we serve. He is willing, but it is up to us to ask and then be intentional with your thoughts and outlook. I will leave you with a quote I saw on a social media feed that really struck a chord with me. It said, “The moment you start acting like life is a blessing, it starts feeling like one.”

Keep moving forward,

Hayley W