Cultivating Awe and Wonder

Once upon a time, there was an unusual cemetery. It was a quiet place, where instead of headstones, it contained a collection of stones that represented the hopes and dreams that had been shattered and never came to pass but that now were beginning to come into focus.

The only trouble was that it had once been hidden deep beneath another cemetery. Another darker and more ominous one, which was much more troubling. This one contained the raw memories of traumas, those troubling recollections of the ordeals and sufferings that drowned out the childlike hopes and dreams that once had danced inside a young child's heart.

No one in their right mind would want to visit this place associated with such painful and distressing memories. To even venture into the gates of that cemetery was to open up the door to the stench and decay that lay underneath those graves. 

But if someone had the ears to hear the faint sound of water hidden deep beneath all the layers of earth and stony ground, they might choose to take the risk of following an unseen voice calling out to them from the deep.

One day, a courageous young woman woke up from a dream that was both disturbing and encouraging. She was caught up in a whirling vortex of tormenting assaults on her soul. She was trying so hard to break free, but was powerless to do so. But in the middle of her distress she heard a voice and saw a figure standing beneath all the layers of her pain. He was standing by a well, and his name was Artesian.

“Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. 
Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. 
The water I give will be an artesian spring within, 
gushing fountains of endless life.”  
John 4: 13-14 (The Message Translation)

       "Would you like to come and see what this water is made of?" said Artesian.                    Seeing her hesitation, he gently replied, 
“Don’t be afraid; God’s Spirit is on me;
he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind,
To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, 
'This is God’s time to shine!'
John 4: 18-19 (The Message Translation)

Looking tenderly into her eyes, Artesian said, “This is a river composed of many sorrows. I have seen and numbered all your tears. I am holding them tenderly in this reservoir of sorrows. I see your pain.” Somehow, she felt understood! Artesian spoke from a place of compassion, not merely a distant observation.

I’m exhausted from my weeping and groaning. Night after night, I soak my pillow with tears and flood my bed with weeping. Psalm 6: 6 (Passion Translation)

You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle – not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. Psalm 56: 8 (Passion Translation)

The young woman’s eyes stared intently at the book of tears. Each one of those tears reflected the situations in her life that had caused harm. But she was not alone. Someone else was weeping. Expecting to see Artesian, she gasped as she saw a tear-filled, pure white lamb.

The Lamb’s tears seemed to somehow envelop her own tears. The Lamb was sharing in her sorrows and pains in such a profound way. She felt as if she was no longer alone in the deep, dark graveyard marked by the headstone of her many traumas.

As the lamb continued to weep, something miraculous began to take place. A slow, steady flow of blood-stained tears began falling on the dark stone of her heart. What looked like hardened, impenetrable rock began to dissolve gently and gradually. The lamb's cleansing red tears soothingly softened the many layers of pain and the hardening that had developed over the years of her abuse and torment.

“You unhappy one, storm-tossed and troubled,  I am ready to rebuild you with precious stones, and your intimacy with me will be built on a foundation of sapphires.  I will make your towers of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels,  and all your walls of precious, delightful stones.” Isaiah 54: 11 – 12 (Passion Translation)

He smiled. “I have a gift for you,” he said, holding out the precious stone, illustrating the transformation from her heart of stone. “Now we have been stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit.  He is given to us like an engagement ring,   as the first installment of what’s coming! He is our hope-promise of a future inheritance, which seals us until we have all of redemption’s promises and experience complete freedom— all for the supreme glory and honor of God!” Ephesians 1: 13-14 (Passion Translation)

Artesian stood before her once again, laughing as he saw her gasp with wonder at the treasure that had lain hidden deep inside her heart of stone. This is what's inside the deepest part of you. Never forget what you have seen!                   I promise that I will never leave you or forsake you!"

Next, Artesian did something quite unexpected. The glowing, multifaceted, many colored gem transformed into a plain gray stone. As she looked at him in confusion, He looked into her eyes with tenderness;  "You know what's deep inside. Paint a memorial on the outside to remind yourself of what will be revealed when we meet face to face in the future."

As the young woman began to carefully paint her experience, a profound voice seemed to whisper as the paint brush slowly flowed across the plain gray stone: “We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours. Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times, we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.” 2 Corinthians 4: 7-9 (Passion Translation)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and eliminate death entirely. No one will mourn or weep any longer. The pain of wounds will no longer exist, for the old order has ceased.” Revelation 21: 4 (Passion Translation)

The slow, steady transformation of The Cemetery “Beloved, we are God’s children right now; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible,   we will be just like him, for we will see him as he truly is.  And all who focus their hope on him will always be purifying themselves, just as Jesus is pure.”  1 John 3: 2-3 Passion Translation)

Annie the white Leghorn chicken was calmly roaming inside the chicken run along with the other nine chickens in the flock. She had just emerged from her nesting box inside the chicken coop with its bright red metal roof. Annie was one of the best egg layers in the flock. Every morning she laid a large white egg in the same exact spot. Then the unexpected and unimaginable happened. She was suddenly and viciously attacked.

Sharp claws slipped through the fence and grabbed her neck. It hurt a lot as the predator tried to pull her through the small opening. She felt warm blood trickling down her neck and onto her feathers. She was so dizzy it felt like she might faint. She couldn’t make a sound, but she flapped her wings as hard as she could, trying to escape.

Luckily, another chicken heard the flapping and started squawking loudly—so loudly that Annie’s attacker let go and ran off into the forest behind the coop. The squawking chicken rushed over and found Annie lying on the ground, her feathers scattered everywhere. She looked so still. The brave chicken stood guard over Annie. Was she still alive?

When Annie finally managed to stand up, she looked awful. There was blood everywhere! How would she ever get clean? She felt so tired. The other chickens stayed away as she slowly limped up the wooden plank to the coop’s entrance. Annie barely made it to her perch before she collapsed. She fell into a restless, scary sleep, her body still shaking from what had happened.

Annie felt very lonely. The other chickens stayed away and didn’t try to cheer her up. At first, they just kept their distance. Were they scared that if they were kind to her, they might get hurt too?

About the time Annie got back on her feet and began acting herself again, things got worse for her. The harmony that had been normal for the flock suddenly turned into a new pecking order in which Annie was at the low rung on the ladder. The other chickens would run after her and trap her in a corner. They would surround her and peck harshly at the injured area on her neck where her skin and feathers had been ripped off. 

But the next day, while walking alone up the hill behind the farm, Annie met some bluebirds. At first, she tried to run and hide, fearing what the birds were up to, but the little birds gently followed her, flapping their wings around her. They sang a sweet, happy song, letting her know they were friendly. Annie didn’t understand their song, but it sounded beautiful.

"Have you forgotten?" the bluebirds chirped. "Have you forgotten the Life Song that was sung to you inside the egg before you hatched?" "What Life Song?" Annie asked. "All I've felt is fear and pain since The Predator attacked me." She sighed. "First, I was hurt by The Predator, and now the other chickens have turned on me. They seem to enjoy chasing me and pecking at my sore neck. They won’t even let me near the food and water without trying to attack me."

"Well," the bluebirds sang, "there's only one thing to do. You have to meet The White Dove." Annie felt something deep inside her stir. Was The White Dove connected to the Life Song the bluebirds had mentioned? A tiny spark of hope lit up in her heart. "How do I meet The White Dove?" she asked. The bluebirds fluttered close and told her, "Find a quiet place, be all alone, stay still, and call out to The White Dove."

Annie decided to give it a try. After all, the bluebirds were the only ones who had been kind to her. But what was she supposed to do? She was alone for now, but being quiet was hard. The stillness made her feel scared again, and peace felt impossible. What was it the bluebirds had said about remembering The Life Song?

Annie struggled to focus. What was she even doing, sitting all alone in the back corner of the chicken coop? What if The Predator came back and trapped her? Her heart pounded, and fear crept over her like a shadow. Her nerves were on edge, and she felt like running—running far away into the deep, dark woods where no one could find her.

Annie began to cry. Of course, we all know that chickens don’t have tear ducts, but they still feel deep emotions. When chickens are sad, they don’t cry tears—they let out shrieks and distressed sounds instead. A wave of fear, sadness, and loneliness crashed over Annie. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. She let out a long, heartbreaking series of screeches, squawks, and cries. Then, suddenly, everything around her became silent. The air felt different, and a new sensation filled the room.

Annie felt the roof of the chicken coop disappear. Above her, the sky opened up, and warm sunlight poured down. It was so bright that she had to close her eyes. Then, she heard the soft fluttering of wings. "Annie," called a voice—so peaceful, so gentle, like a song carried on the wind. "Annie!" The way her name was spoken stirred something deep inside her, something she had almost forgotten. Slowly, cautiously, Annie opened her eyes. There, shining in the golden light, was The White Dove.

Annie realized she was no longer in the chicken coop. Everything around her felt lighter—like she had stepped into a different world. The White Dove began to sing; warmth, comfort, and love began flowing into the deepest part of Annie’s soul.
                  "He will cover you with His feathers.
                  He will shelter you with His wings.
                         His faithful promises
                    are your armor and protection.
            Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
                  nor the arrow that flies in the day."
As the words wrapped around her like a soft embrace, Annie felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time—peace.

Now, three doves began fluttering around Annie’s head, their wings brushing the air like a gentle breeze. They weren’t just flying—they were dancing! Their voices wove together in the most beautiful harmonies. Together they sang a song of hope, a song of love.
            "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
              will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
                       This I declare about the Lord:
              He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
                       He is my God, and I trust Him."
As the words surrounded her, Annie felt something shift deep inside. The fear, the loneliness, the pain all began to melt away. For the first time in so long, she felt safe.

As the song slowly faded, Annie felt a pure white light wrap around her like a warm embrace. It was like standing in the golden rays of the morning sun—but infinitely better. This wasn’t just warmth; it was Love itself, deep and inviting, filling every part of her. She had never felt anything like it before.

One of the three doves landed gently beside her. It stood beak to beak with Annie, looking into her eyes. Then, in soft, gentle bird-speak, it spoke: "Annie, you are not alone. You have never been alone."

"What is happening to me?" Annie asked. The dove's eyes shone with kindness as it spoke in a voice as soft as the wind. "The Predator came to steal The Life Song, but I have come to give it back to you—more than you ever expected. Life in its fullness until you overflow!" Annie felt the words sink deep into her heart. The emptiness, the fear, the pain  was being washed away, replaced with something new. Something whole. Something beautiful.

 Annie returned to her usual surroundings, but she was not alone. She wasn’t sure if The Love Song was now inside her or if it was still sung by The White Dove, who hovered gently above the crown of her head. Either way, she could feel it—warm, steady, unshakable.

Annie quieted her soul each morning and listened to The Love Song deep inside her. It was always there, a gentle melody reminding her she was never alone.  Even though her troubles didn’t disappear, Annie knew she didn’t have to face them alone. She was gradually becoming a different kind of chicken.

Aram and Eva were getting married: they were both excited and apprehensive. Would they do well together? Someone they knew offered them some timely encouragement from Scripture, and asked if they knew about The Weaver

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
    You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
                             You saw me before I was born.                                        Psakm 139: 13-16

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

        Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (from Ecclesiastes 4)

I want you woven into a tapestry of love,

in touch with everything there is to know of God.

Then you will have minds confident and at rest,

focused on Christ, God’s great mystery.

All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge

are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else.

Colossians 2: 2-3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, Not looking to your own interests But each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with each other, Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus   Philippians 2: 3-5

                    “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” Ephesians 5: 31

As Aram and Eva unwrapped one of their wedding gifts, they looked and saw a beautiful leather Bible. The card inside simply said, “I hope the two of you will take some time to get to know The Weaver! You can’t knit yourselves together, but The Weaver can!                   

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
    which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
    They have no idea what they are stumbling over.  
Proverbs 4: 18-19

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before 
anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 
for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.

Everything of God finds its proper place in Jesus without crowding. 
Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces 
of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—
get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, 
all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

"If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

My pre-made plans were rudely interrupted by pouring rain, driving winds, and a thunderstorm! I had planned to ride my bike, do some much needed work in the garden and even get out the chain saw to cut up some downed trees. Instead I sat outside on the covered porch and looked out. It was tempting to be depressed and frustrated because my ideas for the day had been disturbed.

"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"

What if this rainy morning was an unexpected stranger knocking on the door of my heart? If I chose to ‘entertain’ that possibility what might happen?

                   Listen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say,                               “We are traveling to this city in the next few days. 

         The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow.             You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another.

It would be best to say, “If it is the Lord’s will and we live long enough, 
we hope to do this project or pursue that dream.” 

I was stunned and humbled by this last part from the book of James……

“Your current speech indicates an arrogance that does not acknowledge
the One who controls the universe“

Perhaps this unexpected interruption of my plans will be the best thing that could have happened…..a wonderfully unexpected interruption!