Watching Whitney on the Nickelodeon channel yesterday was exciting, aging, fun, and scary all at the same time. Whitney and most of her girl-scout troop were part of a competition where the contestants made the screen during the program breaks. Watching the tense anticipation unfold into excited smiles on her face after hours of preparation and worry was an experience all parents should have at least once in their life. I found myself excited for her, reveling in the fun of the moment, yet scared that something might go wrong (almost did when a friend pushed her over as the camera watched unmercifully) and feeling quite old as I watched a new generation discover that they are important persons in their own right.
In the midst of the long periods of waiting, I found myself discovering a fresh truth. There is something more important than hope, more tangible than faith, and more intense than fear. The “something” is one’s sense of awe when something beyond comprehension, definition, and description comes into your life. I was in awe yesterday as I watch Whitney on television. Her confidence, composure, and willingness to risk touched me to my core. The experienced changed how I look at her, react to things in her life, and respond to opportunities to be involved. I also discovered that awe is something I can cultivate, enjoy, and look forward to experiencing!
Today, during the periods of silence waiting for God, I find myself experiencing something different from yesterday. I find myself sitting in awe of God. The situation is quite simple. “If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, how that we’re at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life!” (Romans 5.10)
You and I have an awesome God. He loves us with all the junk we bring. He cares when we are uncareable. He offers us something unique and then refuses every thing we bring except ourselves. Wow.
