Friends
Stop for a moment and look out your window. Even better, step outside and take in the view. Is there anything that amazes you this morning?
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“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
Psalm 90:2– NIV
Monday mornings start early at our house. The alarm goes off at a time that most of you would consider the wee hours of the morning. I‘ll admit that 4:30 AM is pretty early, but for decades, it has been our time to hit the gym. This habit began when my husband Eric and I were still working, and despite our retirement, we still head to the gym three times per week to complete our early morning workout.
Just because we are up early doesn’t automatically mean that we are completely functional at that hour. Hardly! Eric and I move through the motions of dressing and exiting the house without so much as a word. Complete silence continues in the truck cab en route, the only sounds emanating from the turn signal or the rumble of the truck engine. The walk across the pitch black dark Parking lot is devoid of conversation, the only noise coming from the tap-tap-tap of my white cane.
Yet, once Eric swipes the keypad, and we step through the door, our silence suddenly comes to an abrupt end. The lights are on bright. The music is blaring, and believe it or not, even at that early hour, the gym is full of people well into their morning workouts.
Eric and I always begin in the same room, and as I pass through the archway, I invariably hear her bubbly voice already engaged in animated conversation. There is a joyful lilt to this young woman’s voice that is unmistakable. There I am, squinting against the bright lights, still not quite awake, my white cane tapping a steady beat on the tile floor, when I hear her cheery “Good Morning!”
I’m not kidding when I say that despite my sleepy state, my face breaks out into a grin at the sound of her jovial tone. That grin stretches my face even further when after mumbling a somewhat subdued ”Hey. How are you?”, I hear her habitual response. With a burst of sunshine in her tone, she replies, ”Amazing!”
Friends, I may be still in my sleepy stupor prior to that one word statement, but her reply always stops me in my tracks, as a little giggle leaps out of me. It’s just so cute the way she says it, but the fact that she can utter that reply at that hour, day in and day out, well, it’s amazing!
“Amazing!” It may be a relatively short word, but it is chock full of expressiveness. Think about it. It’s hard to say that word without some form of facial expression. Try saying ”Amazing!” Without lifting your eyebrows or widening your eyes, and even more difficult, at least a hint of a smile. It’s like saying ”Ta-da!” Without breaking out into a big old grin.
I do get a kick out of my young friend’s use of the word to describe her morning state of affairs, but at my age, “Amazing!” Is not a descriptor I would ever employ regarding the state of my body or mind! Ha!No, definitely not.
So when do I use the word amazing? For me, amazing is a synonym for “Wow!” Like the psalmist, I am wowed by the handiwork of God.
“The heavens proclaim the glory of God; the skies display His craftsmanship” (Psalm 19:1, NLT).
“You knit me together in my mother’s womb; I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:13b, NIV).
Yes, I am amazed at the wonders of God. I am amazed at the beauty of His creation. I am amazed by the tender petals of a tiny pink rosebud, the glory of a winter sunset, the majesty of a Colorado mountain top, or the roaring thunder of the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes upon the glistening white sand. I am amazed by the intricacies of the human body, the way the muscles, nerves, organs, and vessels work together in perfect synergy. I am amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit, by its ability to overcome adversity, by its steadfast determination to find hope beyond hurt.
I am amazed by a God who is almighty, all powerful, all knowing, yet ever-present. I am amazed by a God who sees all things, knows all things, yet stoops down to listen to my prayer of petition. I am amazed by a God who chooses to answer my prayers and lift me up out of the pit of despair. I am amazed by a God who loves me enough to have sent His Son to suffer and die that I might have eternal life. I am amazed by a God who sees me, and knows me, all of me, and loves me anyway.
“Amazing!” is the word I reserve for the things of God, for in each and every day, there is some thing that amazes me about His love, His grace, His creation. What about you? What amazes you?
recognizing the wonders of God is a form of worship. Choosing to stop and take notice is a way of honoring God for His gracious daily gifts. I propose that it’s a form of worship more precious to God than our weekly perch on a church pew. I believe God loves it when our souls are deeply touched by the splendor of His creation or the wonder of His works. Yes, I definitely think that’s true. For when we pause and appreciate the majesty of His handiwork and joyfully exclaim “Amazing!”, I can’t help but think that God cannot stop a big old grin from spreading across His face.
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”How amazing are the deeds of the Lord. All who delight in Him should ponder them”
Psalm 111:2 – NLT
PRAYER
O Lord God Almighty, how amazing are Your works, how magnificent Your creation. We relish the beauty all around us. We treasure the gifts You graciously bestow upon us every single day. We are wowed by Your majesty, humbled by Your grace, overjoyed by Your gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord, for loving us beyond measure. You are truly “Amazing!”
In the Glorious Name of Jesus, we offer our thanks and praise,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
-APS 2/6/2023
Faith Beyond Sight 