“Wow”-worthy!

I feel very fortunate to be able to travel as extensively as I do and witness some of the beauty, wonder, and intricate detail of God’s creation. Among all the sights I’ve seen, there are some places I’ve been to and photographs I’ve taken that were extraordinarily moving. For example:

In Yellowstone National Park, my wife Jean and I were driving by Lewis Lake when we saw a number of cars on the shoulder of the highway, which is usually an indication of wildlife. So, we pulled off the road and walked back through the crowd to the center of attention. Up about thirty feet in a conifer was a magnificent (and very patient) mature bald eagle. Wow!

In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona, Jean and I hiked up and down a hill and then trudged through soft sand for quite a way. Finally, we came to a sandstone cliff and cautiously peered over the unfenced edge of the precipice. Below, 1,100 feet straight down, was the mighty Colorado River and Horseshoe Bend. We couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow!”

At Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, I was able to photograph a wonder-inducing close-up of a water lily. Fire in the hole! Another “Wow” moment!

On our last day in Glacier National Park, I arose early one chilly morning to see the first rays of the sun illuminate the awe-inspiring peaks across Swiftcurrent Lake. You can probably guess what my reaction was!

During Jesus’ time on earth, He did a lot of unusual and unexpected things that amazed the people who witnessed them. For example:

One evening, Jesus and the twelve disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was in the stern on a cushion catching up on some much needed sleep. Suddenly, a fierce squall came up. Wind-driven waves lapped over the gunnels and their craft began to fill with water. The terrified disciples woke Jesus. He got up and told the wind and the waves to calm down. And they did. This had to be a “Wow” moment for those twelve men.  (See Mark 4:36-41.)

On another occasion, a huge crowd of folks who were looking for Jesus found him near the town of Bethsaida. Jesus spent most of the day teaching them about God’s kingdom and healing those who needed it. Late in the afternoon, thoughts turned to supper. Golden Corral was not available. Domino’s wasn’t delivering. Not even the drive-thru at McDonald’s was open. But then Andrew, who always seemed to be bringing people to Jesus, found a young boy who was willing to donate all he had: five small barley loaves and two little fish. These seemingly meager rations fed more than five thousand people – with leftovers! Can you imagine that one word of amazement rippling across the lips of such a large group of people?  (See Luke 9:10-17.)

Jesus was teaching at one of the synagogues when he noticed a woman who was severely bent over. He asked her to come down to the front. With some difficulty, and probably more than a little embarrassment, the woman did as Jesus requested. The Master placed his hands on her back and said, “You are healed!” And immediately she straightened up. After years and years of only being able to look down at the ground, she was now able to look up into Jesus’ face. And she praised God! (Perhaps exclaiming “Wow!”)  (See Luke 13:10-17.)

Jairus, a ruler at a local synagogue, came to Jesus and fell at his feet, begging him to come to his house. His only child lay gravely ill. By the time they arrived, however, the daughter had lost her battle and died. Undeterred, Jesus entered the home and the room where the girl was. Jesus gripped her hand and said, “My dear child, get up.” And she did. Now it was her parents who nearly fell over. Ecstatic? Overcome? Astonished? All of the above!  (See Luke 8:41-42, 49-56a.)

But you know what I find most amazing? The fact that, even with all my weaknesses and flaws, God, because of His love and Jesus’ sacrifice, would adopt me into His family. Now that’s “Wow”-worthy!