Our picture window framed a beautiful scene this morning. The trees were barren spindles of varying shades of gray. Even the two evergreen trees were not ever-green but more the color army fatigues with a slight brown hue.

At the top of the frame was a cloudless sky that can only be described as a pure “sky-blue.” With striking clarity, it provided a breathtaking backdrop for the gangly treetops. The longer I gazed at this artistic display, the more I wondered at its beauty and the vast, unlimited ingenuity of God to create color. I speculated how this scene would look if it was only shades of gray.

What if we only ever saw the world in gray tones? What if that was all we knew and had no conception of color? Just as I was thanking God for colors and praising Him for His unfathomable mind and creativity, an exclamation point appeared at the lower right corner of the masterpiece. A brilliant red cardinal alit on a nearby branch. Then two others joined him, punctuating the scene with remarkable splashes of glory. I sat in wonder—of the view and of the God who painted it.

I never want to lose my sense of wonder! The only way I know to preserve it is to be still and watch for the next awesome spectacle to appear, to anticipate surprises of beauty with a childlike anticipation.

I am forever encouraging my grandchildren to be curious, to question, to wonder. I find I’m in good company and recently shared this quote from Einstein with them:

“The important thing is to not stop questioning… One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplated the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery. Never lose a holy curiosity.”

Now they call me Nana Einstein, which is fine with me because they got the message.

May we never lose a sense of “holy curiosity” and live lives of wonder that respond in worship. 

*The photo is of our youngest grandchild. Although the picture is 10 years old, Parker has never lost his sense of wonder.