Brenda’s Blog – September 20, 2016
“Ah, look at that hot air balloon! Such wonder; such amazement”
The head of a national bakery expressed sheer delight as he watched the ascension of the balloon. He could not keep his eyes from staring at the quiet beauty of the rising balloon. Who was this man? The head of a company which produced commercial baked goods. What was the result? A bread product known as Wonder Bread. The original packaging carried a hot air balloon icon and featured the colors of the balloon which fascinated him. A visual experience translated into a marketing message.
Where is the wonder in your life? What takes away your breath? What gives you the moment of overwhelming awe? What births unfathomable joy?
Dear friends have recently moved to the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. She told me, “I come over a rise and I am literally awe-struck. I hope I never take it for granted and get used to the view.”
When we lose the enthusiasm of wonder our balloons deflate. And who wants to live with a limp, deflated canopy?
On clear nights I stand outside and look straight up. Without city lights (or even country lights) the stars begin breaking into my vision. If I stand long enough I find myself exhaling with sheer respect and joy. Scripture tells us God has a name for each star. And He knows us by name – that inspires wonder, doesn’t it?
My challenge to each of us is to stop daily and reverently recognize the majesty of life (even in the mundane activities). There is music in the rhythm of our breathing; in the beating of our hearts; and the pulsing of circulatory system.
Let’s look for those moments of glorious gasps when we stop and momentarily transcend, traveling just a bit into the wonder-ful.