“Wow”

Here I am drinking tea from my little old lady mug, sitting on the porch on the loveliest of spring evenings, waiting as the sun sinks low into the sky, casting long shadows of the walkers going by. A dragon fly comes zipping by, to land on the string of Christmas lights that still twirl in this spring sky. I think “Hi Grandaddy” as the dragon fly zooms bye bye. My body has softened beneath the freshness of the air, and the golden glow of the sky. Not all is right in the world, but in this moment right here, right now, with the presence enough to enjoy it—I learn what “enough” means.

It means, good enough, can be found and it is well and alive. Enough to nourish a soul, enough to fill my cup, enough to make me feel peace, enough to make me choose delight, enough to open my heart to the abundance of it all.

I am creating space. Space in my mind, space in my heart, space in my body, space on my counter. Space for joy to foster and for joy to bloom.

Words penned in my journal reflect enough space, enough presence, enough awareness for all the joy. Did you know joy multiplies if you let it? Joy has a way of taking you by surprise— it doesn’t take much at all to spark it within you, simply keep your heart and mind attuned.

Holiness, joy, beauty, delight it finds us in the most surprising but also most ordinary of places.

Like how all of a sudden everything seems so green and I have the capacity to pause and take notice.

Or the way I find myself so transfixed that the only word I can seem to muster is “wow."

Wow, look at how the way the sky has become a perfectly blended ombre mix as the moon rises to her full height.

Wow, the dolphins are swimming so close to the shore—jumping and slapping their tails, almost as if they are playing, enjoying their existence.

Wow, that sweet pup is looking with such hope and anticipation at his Dad, waiting for the ball to be thrown, how happy.

Wow, what an absolute delight to run a race, to feel a body I have begun to question surprise me with her strength and capacity.

Wow, we actually did that!

Wow, it is hot.

Wow, that was fun.

Wow, this is a lot of people and wow we are supportive of one another.

Wow, we did that.

Wow, I am grateful for our friends.

Wow, I love making memories.

Wow, my heart feels so full after hours of conversation, giggles, and mimosas with friends we love so much.

Wow, look how much we have grown. Wow, I am so grateful.

Wow, that sunset made me cry.

Wow, my snapdragons just needed to take their time—now they are growing and showing who they really are.

Wow, look how pretty.

Wow. What a gift it is to believe that despite how wounded and mean this world is God still looks down upon it and all of us in it, smiles and says “wow, how truly special you all are.”

Because somehow even with all the redeeming we need, God still calls us good and beloved.

And the only proper response I can seem to muster to that kind of love is—"Wow. Thank you. I love you too.”

Amen.