I’ve been reading through the Gospel of Mark in my early morning times with Jesus. While reading Mark 9, these words caught my attention, “As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him” (Mark 9:15). I kept circling back to that phrase, “overwhelmed with wonder.” I questioned, “Am I still overwhelmed with wonder? Or have I become so accustomed to having Jesus in my life that in some ways, I’ve taken Him for granted? Have I become weary from the burdens of life so that I no longer experience excitement to be with Jesus each morning?” Ah… tough questions. 

I recently read a quote by author Sheila Walsh that said, “Exchange your weariness for wonder.” Those words immediately caught my eye. I want to trade in weariness and receive wonder once again. How about you?

We are coming into what we now call the Holiday Season – Thanksgiving to Christmas. This season could be a recipe for increased weariness or wonder. Many of us are already weary…

We’re weary from the craziness of the last few years.

We’re weary from the news reports about wars and rumors of wars.

We’re weary from the polarization of our culture.

We’re weary from our own personal problems.

Here’s the thing: so were the crowds that followed Jesus. They were weary from Roman rule. They were weary from the religiosity of the Pharisees. They were weary from being poor, marginalized, and broken. They lived terrorized by problems too big for them. Yet, when they saw Jesus, they saw hope and were overwhelmed with wonder!

How do we set the stage for wonder in each of our personal lives? 

Carve Out Time Each Day to Reflect on the Wonder of Jesus. Slow down. Read through one of the gospels and keep a list of all the wonderful qualities of Jesus that you encounter along the way. Carry those qualities into your day. Then pause through your day to reflect on one of those qualities. 

Believe That All Things Are Possible. It’s easy to be consumed with the magnitude of the problem rather than the magnificence of our Savior. The same Jesus who cast out the demon in Mark 9 is alive today. All things are possible through Him. His power hasn’t waned or wavered. Remember the times He has done the impossible in the past. Use those times as fuel to step confidently into the future. 

Serve Someone Who Is in a More Difficult Place Than You. Visit a prison or serve at a homeless shelter. Ask if you can serve in a Ronald McDonald house or some other facility that serves children. Find some way to serve and bring hope. When we ask Jesus to shine through us in dark places, He reawakens in us the wonder of His presence. 

As we head into the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let’s ask God together that we will be overwhelmed with wonder once again!  

Lord Jesus, fill me once again with an overwhelming sense of wonder. May this holiday season be a marker point in my life as one that reminds me of Your glorious nature. May I order my life so that I am always moving towards You. Fill me with a renewed sense of Your presence and power this holiday season. 

If you are looking to buy some Christmas gifts that will have a lasting impact, why not purchase a copy of Our Father for a friend or family member? Most people know the Lord’s Prayer, but they may not understand the amazing invitations tucked within.

This week on The Connected Mom Podcast we’re having a conversation about putting the fun back in parenting! Be sure to join on any podcast app!