Wonder-Infusing
By Susan Klein
“Show the wonder of your great love…”
It’s that time of year when the mail carrier and delivery people
become familiar faces! I love getting mail, even if it’s just a gift I ordered
for someone else. My winter edition of Magnolia Journal arrived last week. I
immediately carved out a time to sit and savor it, cover to cover. I’ve been
craving some serious holiday inspiration!
As I slowly turned each page, it did not disappoint in
presenting more than one holiday-themed article. What really spoke to my heart
was that many of them were not the usual holiday decorating or
what-gifts-to-buy kind of articles. Instead, I was treated to stories about
someone being blessed by the love of strangers, and of God, in most
unconventional ways. They were stories of “wonder.”
In one story, the author had lost her favorite Bible containing
a loving inscription by her father inside the cover. Years later, it was
miraculously returned to her through a series of unimaginable God-incidents.
Not only did she retrieve her treasured possession, but she also got to see how
God used her little Bible to touch another person’s life several states away!
For her, the “wonder” was being let in on God’s bigger picture.
In another story, the author shared about a particularly lean
Christmas with no money to buy gifts for his six children. A complete stranger
mysteriously slipped an envelope under his door on Christmas Eve with enough
cash to purchase some needed items as well as make copies of a book he wrote
for his children. Six years later, through a series of God-inspired events, the
man met the stranger who had generously left the money under his door. Both
were filled with “wonder” at how God used this kind gesture to bless the
recipient, and now, to bless the giver. More wonder-infused articles followed
suit in displaying God’s love.
Why does our sense of “wonder” seem more prevalent this time of
year? Perhaps our child-like anticipation during the holidays gives us a
heightened awareness of these special moments. Kind hearts and generous spirits
come out to play. People show love in ways that are reserved for the Christmas
season. It’s almost magical!
Have you thought about how “wonder” might show up in your
Christmas this year? Perhaps God has some secret blessing in store for you, the
details of which He’ll reveal several years from now. Or maybe He intends to
use you to infuse a little wonder in someone else’s life. Either way, be
intentionally watching for precious moments of wonder!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Spend some time in wonder, reflecting on all God is
and does.
2. Might you share a little wonder with someone else?!!
FURTHER READING:
Susan
is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor
to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work
through conflict.
