Due to switching computers and all that goes with such transfers of information, I have not been able to send out the devotions. It appears as though everything is now functioning so that I can work with it.
The opening text will come from a book by Abraham Joshua Heschel (God in Search of Man - A Philosophy of Judaism). As you are able to see by the title, the language may be a bit dated and therefore, I will, when able, make the language inclusive.
Among the many things that religious tradition holds in store for us is a legacy of wonder. The surest way to suppress our ability to understand the meaning of God and the importance of worship is to take things for granted. Indifference to the sublime wonder of living is the root of sin.
Some people do not like the use of the word “sin.” And yet, I don’t know of another word that carries such weight among us. I know that it has a bunch of baggage for many people – probably all of us – but it can help to stop us in our tracks…pause…and reflect on our place in creation. I don’t think we need to focus on the concept of sin as much as I think it is so important to be creatures who are caught up in the wonder of things – all sorts of things. We will never stop killing and harming one another if we do not allow ourselves to take note of the wonder of how we each are so marvelously created. Maybe one person would hesitate to tear down another person if we honored the wonderful bit of creative energy that God has placed within the center of each person. When we cannot or will not pause to wonder…to consider the lily in all its splendor – who knows what we will be willing to do to one another and our creation. Brokenness – sin – is a part of who we are when we are not full of wonder.
Connection: Did you ever give yourself the time to wonder about…? Go for it. It may make you see yourself and others in a whole new light.
Lord of Creation, thrill us with the many wonders of this world. Help us to consider the worth of others and the value of nature’s beauty and power. Let us never be so caught up in what we know that we lose the opportunity to wander into new and strange wonders of your making. Amen.
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