Amaze Us, Lord

A few weeks ago, I had a heavy heart, and my mood was downcast. I had learned some news that made me sad. My mind was troubled, and I thought it would be good for me to take a walk to get some fresh air.

I strolled from my home to a nearby park that is situated with a view of Tampa Bay. Once I arrived, I sat on a bench and looked at the water.  About a half hour passed, and I decided to walk back home. Once I returned, I still felt out of sorts, so I grabbed my Bible to seek inspiration.

Immediately, I flipped to the Book of Isaiah. The prophet proclaimed in Isaiah 42:20, “He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear.”  Wow. God’s Word leapt out at me like a two by four hitting me in the head.

I had just walked to the park and back, and I had not noticed one single thing. That was not like me. It bothered me. So, I got back up and walked to the park again just to prove to myself that I was still fully alive and capable of seeing God in my surroundings.

This time, I noticed the towering oak trees lining our streets. I remembered the enormous strength God gives me each day to get through challenging circumstances. I felt the warmth of the sun shining down on me and recalled that God’s light shines brightest amid the darkness.

I heard birds chirp as I crossed the street. I recollected that singing often helps lift my spirits. A bumble bee buzzed over my head, and it called to mind the beauty of the vivid markings of their yellow and black stripes. I saw a bright green lizard scamper on the sidewalk. I heard a deep bark of what sounded like a very large dog.

How had I walked this exact same path and not seen any of this? 

When I arrived back at the park, I sat down on the same bench as earlier. I felt the breeze as my hair blew, and I tasted the salty air on my tongue. I looked out and saw the beginning of white caps in the water. The air smelled of possible rain to come. As hard as I tried, I could not see the other side of the Bay. My mouth curved into a smile. That is just like God—He is limitless. His love is boundless. It knows no end.

This time, I lingered longer. I did not rush back home. I enjoyed watching the orange and purple hues as the sun began to set. A light sprinkling of rain began. I wanted to feel the drops against my skin. I uttered a silent prayer, “Lord open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, the moments and miracles of your presence.”

May the God of wonder never cease to amaze us as we search for Him in the details of life—large and small, loud, and silent.