We started off early, a sense of anticipation filling the van in which we rode. Entering the National Park we began to look, but it took a while before we began to see, really see.
Monthly Musings: Wonder
The initial “oooohhs and aahhhhs” escaped with rapid breath, but as we adjusted to this spectacle, we started to notice the fine detail. Not just the grace of motion as the giraffes gently loped across the plains, but the kohl-rimmed eyes and long lashes, the unique and varied patchwork quilt gloving their long limbs.
We gazed on not just the enormity of the rhinos and their thick skin, but saw how tiny birds would perch on their legs or backs, hitch-hiking through the grass. We enjoyed not only the colouring book starkness of the zebra lines, but how social they are, closely snuggling together in silent communion. We exhaled at the glad distance between us and the croc while also feeling a sense of amazement at how Jurassic every bump and spot seemed to be.
“This looking business is risky,”1 pens Annie Dillard in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Yes! Risky and wondrous and full of life as God, the Creator, awakens His creative Spirit within us.
We saw group after group of impalas. Their delicate bambiesque faces were timid and watchful, but it was their rear ends that spoke of unexpected beauty, as if God had reached down with a black marker and traced matching lines simply for the joy of it.
It was not just the wise face of older baboons, but the swing and scratch and playful scampering of their babies. It was not just the leathered skins and swaying trunks of these elephants, but catching the moment their secret whispers were exchanged.
We were filled by this wonder and gave thanks to the Creator, the original artist of this world, for His invitation to observe some of His handiwork.
And it was good.
If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it with a friend.
Book News
It’s just over 3 months until the release date on May 16th! The proofs are complete and the SPCK team is working their book magic in the background. It has been so encouraging to receive a good number of endorsements. I hope it’s okay to share a couple with you. 🙈😊🥰
The Spirit's work in shaping us into Christ-likeness is often perceived as hidden and mysterious. In this compelling and practical book, Kate opens our eyes to see His transformative power so vividly in our distinct life narratives. She vulnerably shares stories, theological insights and asks thought-provoking questions throughout. I am challenged by the prayerful posture necessary to yield to the Spirit's work in our continual forming and filling, and for the sake of pouring out again. A must-read for anyone desiring a greater awareness of the Spirit's work in shaping them and for a purpose beyond themselves. - Kaye Redman Artist and Creative Educator www.kayeredman.com In an age of great uncertainty and increasingly manic attempts to keep pace, Shaped by the Spirit speaks to us in the midst of the storm with that powerful “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NLT). The beautifully crafted prose invites us to pause and consider the many-faceted ways we are formed, ultimately for God’s purposes. This is a well-grounded book on spiritual formation, good for individual reflection but even better for helping groups of people understand one another at a much deeper level. With it we can dive into our inner worlds, discover a Spirit-filled image of God there and take that forth with ever increasing Christ-likeness into the wider world, confident in our collective vision for blessing the nations. - Dr. Jay Mātenga Executive Director, WEA Mission Commission
Feel free to pre-order on any of the following sites, or google the book for a site you prefer. Also, feel free to order for every single person you have ever met in your whole entire life! 😂
Australia - Koorong or Amazon.com.au (for ebook) UK - SPCK USA - Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Cokesbury or Walmart!
Until next time, may you keep your eyes open for the wonder surrounding you. I’d love to hear about some of what you are observing.
Shaped by the Spirit! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and join this community of people as we – together – long and lean into being Shaped by the Spirit.
Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Digital (HarperCollins, 2021), 25.
Thank you for sharing such incredible beauty in Gods creation. Where is this?