"When the fear of the Lord is forgotten-we no longer catch our breath at the sight of a rainbow or the scent of a rose, as we once did… We no longer run our fingers through the water, no longer shout at the stars , or make faces at the moon. Certainly, the new can amaze us: the latest computer game, the softest diaper. Till tomorrow, till the new becomes old, till yesterday's wonder is discarded or taken for granted.

As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. We get so preoccupied with ourselves, the words we speak, the plans and projects we conceive that we become immune to the glory of creation. We barely notice the cloud passing over the moon or the dewdrops clinging to the rose leaves. The ice on the pond comes and goes. The wild black­berries ripen and wither. The blackbird nests outside our bed­room window: We don't see her. We avoid the cold and the heat. We refrigerate ourselves in summer and entomb our­selves in plastic in winter. We rake up every leaf as fast as it falls. We are so accustomed to buying prepackaged meats and fish and fowl in supermarkets we never think and blink about the bounty of Gods creation. We grow complacent and lead practical lives. We miss the experience of awe, reverence, and wonder!" ~ Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel

Continuing to look up and count gifts....

#281-308

281. Being reminded to be kind and patient by my seven-year-old son. 

282. Piles of books waiting to be read.

283. Abundant sunshine.

284. Sandals and sundresses in March.

285. Loads of clean laundry: we are clothed.

286. Dishes in the sink: we are fed.

287. Dirty handprints on walls: happy, playful children live here.

288. Bible stories on audiobooks for the kids to enjoy.

289. Reminders from seven-year-old to say grace before eating.

290. An 11-year-old who can recite scripture. 

291. The living Word hidden in little hearts.

292. A day off to nap, read and do nothing. 

293. Chats with old friends.

294. One of the kids chatting in their sleep.

295. Waking to a smiling two-year-old at my bedside in the morning.

296. Hugs shared among siblings.

297. Every kid healthy again.

298. The rustling of thin Bible pages during Saturday night church service.

299. A pastor who kneels in prayer during service.

300. The gift of rest.

301. Learning to suffer well for Christ.

302. Lord, Don't Let Me Lose My Wonder

303. Jesus Loves Me sung over a sleepy two year old.

304. “Father, let me be weak that I might loose my clutch on everything temporal. My life, my reputation, my possessions, Lord, let me loose the tension of the grasping hand.” -Jim Elliot

305. A deep abiding love for holiness.

306. Husband's hand in mine.

307. Bathtub full of clean running water.

308. Mornings full of chirping birds...spring is near!

What wonders are you beholding?