Author: Kate Franken

Hours before walking across the stage to receive my high school diploma, my mother presented me with a heartfelt gift that I’ve treasured in the years since. While I sat on my floral bedspread in my downstairs bedroom, she walked in and put a CD into my black boom box. She let the words of Leanne Womack’s song “I Hope You Dance” speak of her hopes for me and the uncertain future. It was a CD I wore out easily in the years to come. The  frequent replay of the song reminded me of my mother’s love and expressed so many desires I had for myself.

These lines have not grown faint as years have passed:

“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder.”

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.”

“Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance.”

These words resonate deep within my soul. They speak to the yearning I have for something more, something outside of myself. They draw my eyes to the author of wonder. And at Him, they urge me to stare.

Wonder ignites our faith. It invites us to look beyond the things of this world. It opens our eyes wide to the greatness of our God. Who performs wonders that cannot be fathomed. Like a moth to a fire, I am drawn in, craving to know this God of Wonder.

I often wander down a winding dirt trail on a hike up a tree-covered mountain, or drive the back roads to marvel at the wonder of His creation. He never ceases to capture my heart with the beauty of the sun, with its rising and setting.

“So that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.” -Psalm 65:8

Innately, I’m drawn to how God carves the Earth and paints the sky. His work falls nothing short of a masterpiece.

As I sit in awe of His creation, my heart swells with joy, for the beauty that surrounds me speaks of His love. He created this beauty for our eyes to witness. His love lacking in nothing.  His love is not broken. It is complete.

He loves us so much; He wants a relationship with us. And through the wonder of His creation, He reveals Himself.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”-Psalm 19:1

Great is His glory. His strength is mighty. He sustains all things. He is faithful. He is peaceful. He is worthy of all worship. He is incomparable. He is without equal. He alone reigns.

I didn’t quite know what a sense of wonder would yield, as I put on that blue graduation gown. Now, a decade out, I am grateful. To know the riches of that wonder, feeds this strong, ever-deepening relationship I have with my Creator. There is nothing that compares.

Readers, What do you do to keep your sense of wonder alive?

Kate Franken is a 4th grade teacher and a volunteer coordinator at her church in Oregon. She enjoys indulging in raw conversation whilst savoring a cup or more of coffee. Her hunt for good books and podcasts is endless. She finds refuge surrounded by trees, on hiking trails, with her two dogs in tow. She is especially fond of mountaintop views, wit, “best teacher ever” love letters, breakfast, a painted sky, and Jesus. She has a heart for connecting people to His church and encouraging others into relationship with Him.