Our physical senses are portals through which we can experience spiritual awe. Paying attention to our vision can literally open our eyes to the wonder around us. The sense of seeing that God has given us is remarkable. We see just a tiny fraction of the electromagnetic spectrum (0.0035 percent, according to the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration), yet focusing on that portion of visible light often reveals awe-inspiring beauty. Pondering the rest of the spectrum that we can’t see – gamma, x-ray, ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, and radio waves – can also be a wondrous experience. From the signals broadcasting to our cell phones to the guardian angels who accompany us, a lot is happening around us at each moment, unseen yet active. Recently while taking a wonder walk (like those I describe in Wake Up to Wonder), I saw a sunset that inspired me to stare transfixed at the sky for the whole time the sun descended and finally disappeared. The sunset began with a clear blue sky featuring a few thin white clouds streaking across it. Gradually, the clouds turned to a pale salmon color, and then intensified into a brighter hue of pinkish orange. The blue sky in the background became a pale golden color, as the sun lowered and saturated the horizon with yellow. Finally, the clouds turned a purple hue as the gold in the sky around them intensified. Everything I could see around me then was shrouded in a subtle golden glow. It looked like I was immersed in the pure wonder of the sunset itself. Sunset or sunrise are excellent times to schedule wonder walks, because the sky will come alive with an original work of art for you to enjoy then. As you watch, you can meditate on Jesus’ promise in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The sun’s beauty in the sky can remind you of the beautiful hope Jesus offers, and light a fire of wonder in your soul!
Learn more about experiencing God’s wonder in Wake Up to Wonder (order the paperback or the e-book) and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year (order the paperback or the e-book).