Neato!

Many years ago, my wife and I went to a community-wide Fourth of July fireworks display held at a local football stadium. BOOM! A rocket whooshed off its launching platform and streaked skyward. Moments later, its payload exploded into colorful streaks, illuminating the dark night as well as the faces of those watching.

In the row ahead of us was a family with a young boy. After almost every explosion and shower of Crayola colors he would exclaim “Neato!”  His wonder and joy became contagious. Soon, Jean and I were whispering to each other, “Neato!”

When I’m working outdoors with my camera, I’ve been blessed to have a number of experiences that created an exultant sense of wonder and joy. These include:

Seeing colors burst forth in a flower bloom

Viewing majestic mountains reflected in a mirror-like lake’s surface

Being surprised by early morning rays of light spilling over the top of a waterfall

On occasion, I’ve wondered if there were ever times in Jesus’ life when he experienced this sort of overwhelming elation that bubbles up over the surface of one’s being. Of course, I don’t know for sure. But there are some Scripture passages that relate what might have been “Neato!” moments for Jesus. Several come to mind:

After a frustratingly unproductive night of fishing,
Simon obeys Jesus and pulls in a net-busting, boat-swamping load of fish.
(See Luke 5:1-7)

A Roman centurion humbly comes to Jesus with remarkably confident faith,
requesting that Jesus remotely heal the officer’s servant.
(See Matthew 8:5-11)

A young boy selflessly gives to Jesus all the food he has:
five barley loaves and two fish.
(See John 6:2-13)

So, in my Christian journey, how can I have more “Neato!” moments? I think it is by:

–  Being obedient to what Jesus calls me to do;

–  Remaining humble and, at the same time, confident in my faith;

and

–  Selflessly giving all I have to Jesus for him to use.