Albert Einstein said, “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” While I feel certain that we don’t want to think of ourselves as dead, we also know how prone we are to lose our sense of wonder. Ask yourself – “When was the last time you stood rapt in awe?” Oh I know how difficult that is when the kids are continually clamoring for your attention or the boss piles on more projects than are possible to complete in the allotted time. There hardly seems time for “awe.”
Researchers have learned that experiences of “awe” contribute to better health, improved problem solving, decreased anxiety and worry, and can even make us kinder. Soaking up the wonder that is all around us, and is much bigger than we are, can shake us out of our small self-absorbed world. It is a reminder to us that everything is “not about me.” And the more I can take my focus off of “me” the more I am likely to think about other significant relationships in my life.
I am thoroughly convinced that one of the benefits that I experience when I slow down and notice the magnificence of God’s creation around me, is my improved interactions with those around me. I tend to be more gracious, kind, and loving. Seeing how truly small I am in the scheme of things helps me with perspective.
I want to encourage you this week to take some moments and notice – notice a gorgeous sunset, towering mountains, the millions of stars on a clear night – notice God’s handiwork not only in nature but in people. Notice the innocence in the eyes of a child, the kindness shown by a stressed out mom, or the tender touch of a caring physician. Notice – gain perspective – then reach over and gratefully hug your spouse and your children.