The book? Soulful Spirituality: Becoming Fully Alive and Deeply Human by David G. Benner.
Benner writes, "being a good Christian does not lead to becoming a vital human being if one is living without awareness. Tragically, it is remarkably easy to go through life mindlessly." (8)
Two weeks ago I spent time at a spiritual retreat where we focused on mindfulness. It was a wonderful time. Unfortunately, after the 12-ish hour trip to get home, my mindfulness was disconnected and I missed my exit. I found myself approaching the next exit, which will also get me home. But it wasn't my intended route.
I was tired and, evidently, distracted.
Benner tells us that "living with awareness is a prerequisite to becoming deeply human." (9)
He says that "we often fail to experience the radical amazement that life should evoke." (9)
Radical amazement. Wow! Just the words emit a sensation.
Benner speaks of 'seeing life through eyes of wonder' and that reminds me of Christ's openness to children who are open to wonder and who see with eyes of wonder. There is something to us having a child-like sense of wonder and amazement in life.
Benner notes: "Wonder either fills the world and our experience of it, or it seeps out of life entirely. " (9)
Does wonder fill your life?
When is the last time you saw with eyes of wonder or experienced radical amazement?
I tend to see things in creation that amazement me and catch my attention.
Yesterday as we walked the path to Leggett Point Overlook and back, it was the mushrooms that were radically amazing to me.
There were some bigger than my hand!
I didn't take pictures of every mushroom, but I did take some of those that caught my eyes.
It is a desire of mine to see the world, to see life through eyes of wonder, to enjoy the beauty around me.
May it be so!
Rev. Deb
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