MY GUIDING WORD FOR THE YEAR: WONDER

Many of us know and share the practice of choosing a word for the year to guide our decisions and inspire our mindfulness. As I began to reflect and “wonder” what my word for 2025 might be, the word “wonder” suddenly resonated with me! WONDER will be my word for the upcoming year.

Wisdom begins in wonder. ~ Socrates

First, wonder as curiosity speaks to my spirit. I have been longing to learn new things, to explore new ideas, to grow and mature in wisdom and insight. I hope that when I wonder about something, I will make time to learn about that subject. I have already started making a list of a few topics to research: the history of West Virginia, more of the background and intention of the original writings of the Bible, and how to design gardens and landscapes that help the environment.

But then…

The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery.  ~ Anais Nin
The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. ~ Ralph W. Sockman

I find this to be so true! As I gain more knowledge about life, I increasingly marvel at God’s goodness, creativity, wisdom, and holy mystery.

And this leads to (most of all)…

Wonder encourages us to stand humbly before the unfathomable mysteries of human life, trusting that, in them, we encounter God. — Melanie Svoboda in Traits of a Healthy Spirituality

It takes grace in our time to keep our minds open to wonder, to be ready for the tug from God, the push from the Spirit, and the revelation of deep things from the hearts of ordinary people. It takes grace, but it is a great gift. — Lewis B. Smedes in How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong?

Wonder as awe and amazement will help me to be more attentive to the goodness of God throughout all of creation; throughout the universe, earth, nature and wildlife, and people and moments. Even in this time of darkness within my soul, I hope that by centering in God’s mystery and majesty I will find deeper peace, consider life with greater and holier perspectives, and live to serve with courage and strength.

OPEN TO WONDER–A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Holy Creator, Infinite Love,

Open my eyes to wonder…
that I might look upon stars and soil
mountains and valleys
oceans and springs
seeds and sprouts
and marvel at your creation.

Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might graciously
steward each of these
and everything that grows
in the incredible space between.

~~~~~

Open my heart to wonder…
that I might cherish this precious life
the miracle of new birth
the maturation of body and mind
the surrender into eternity
and marvel at the privilege of each day.

Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might generously
serve both young and old
and all beloved people
in the number of years between.

~~~~~

Open my faith to wonder…
that I might find your presence
in quiet prayer
in sudden insight
in meaningful conversation
and marvel at the nearness of you.

Open my spirit to wonder…
how I might gratefully
savor each awareness of you
both expected and surprising
in the infinite moments between.

Happy new year, dear friends.

(Photo by Karen)