Gripped with Wonder and Awe

I was listening to a podcast this week with an interview from Dacher Keltner, author of “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.” He was talking about how experiencing awe is accessible and also something that can decrease anxiety and stress. This made me think about how when I feel awe, I feel small and it makes both the universe and God feel big. Dacher said it also makes us feel connected to humanity. All of that definitely decreases and distracts me from my stress. 

I feel awe when thinking about the Artemis II crew and what they saw of both the earth and the moon, that humanity to live together for 10 days in such a small spaceship. They came home to earth sounding like they were even closer to one another and human-kind, not irritated by each other or others. 

I feel awe when looking at nature. I saw something on tv about the world’s largest glacier in Antarctica. The photos of all glaciers are stunning and made me feel awe at the beauty. 

All of this awe is a small piece of experiencing God. The New Testament often says that people were in awe while experiencing Jesus or the early disciples’ ministry. The Old Testament talks about us being in awe of God and his love. This can decrease our stress and connect us to God and other people. 

Reflect: What makes you feel awe, either in nature or in experiences with other people? How could this feeling of awe connect you with the Lord? 

Prayer: God of the universe, you created so many beautiful scenes in nature. You created the moon and space and glaciers. We are in awe of these things. We are in awe of how humans can be connected to each other. Let us be in awe of you and let go of our stresses through these amazing things you created. Amen. 

May you experience the Presence of God,
Sarah Visser-Kincaid