Our Hope: The Wonder of Wonders

Every day when I arise, I look to the wonders in our world.  Not wonders like tall buildings.  Not huge shopping malls, or fancy swimming pools. Not wonders like beautiful and expensive mansions.  The wonders I look for are the wonders of God.  And because they are His wonders, they are wondrous indeed.

‘God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.’ Genesis 1:31 a (NIV)

I love nothing more than to gaze out my French doors as I write at my desk.  I can see and hear the birds, I can enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees, and I can even revel in the quiet wisp of the wind as it gently moves through the leaves.  All of these things constitute things of wonder.

Recently we were having construction work done on our decks and porches.  To escape all the noise and activity in the back, which is where my desk is, I snuck out on the front door for a few moments of respite, early in the day.  Imagine my surprise to find out I had a companion.  For there, in front of me, was a large praying mantis, hanging from the top of the railing, her front legs in the praying position.  When I approached, she turned to look at me, as if she was welcoming me.  I sat down near her, and talked to her, telling her how surprised I was to see her on my porch.  She turned her head as if she was listening.  So I sat and admired her for a while, caught in the wonder.

Throughout the day, I looked out, and there she was.  She never changed position again, except when one of the grandkids walked out, and once again she turned towards the newcomer.  The last time I saw her was at 10:30 that night, but this time when I looked, she had changed her position.  She was sitting on the top railing, straight up, looking out towards the street.  She did not look at me, she did not move.  When I looked again, about 30 minutes later, she was gone.

I have always felt that God knows what we need, and when we need it.  Once again, on this day, I was struck with awe at the wonder of this creature He had created.  It took me back to when I was a child, and had a fascination with the praying mantis.  Seeing her brought all that childlike wonder back to my mind.  I felt it again.  I still feel it, every time I look at the sunset, inhale the fragrance of a flower, feel soft meadow grass under my feet, or experience the beauty of a deer standing poised like a statue.

When we take the time to learn about and enjoy nature, we are witnesses to God and His creation.  We honor Him with our attention to it.  He makes great wonders.  He is the God of Wonders.  He is Our Hope, and we can take hope from the wonders He presents to us every single day.  And for this we must give Him praise!

‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.’ Psalm 19:1 (NIV)

Blessings!