Blog

Before going any farther with this new blog, I have to mention a major inspiration.  Her name is Ann Voskamp.  Some of you may know her through her blog, or her amazing first book, One Thousand Gifts.  Reading this book just may change your life and I don’t think I’m exaggerating here.  I’ve never been able to get into the habit of thanksgiving.  Whenever I would read the familiar passages exhorting believers to give thanks I’d say to myself, “I need to do that.”  Then I would forget again.  I kind of took the whole giving thanks habit as a Christian version of Oprah’s Five Things.  Oprah encouraged her viewers years ago to write down five things you’re thankful for every night before you go to bed.  Sounded good to me, but I never got in the habit.  Somehow it felt contrived and a little superficial to just list things you’re thankful for. 

Then I started reading Ann’s book.  She showed me the key that opened up the meaning of giving thanks.  You must move from gratitude to worship.  Anyone can list things they’re thankful for.  But when you give thanks for something, you’re usually thanking someone.  Who gave you these things you’re thankful for.  What do these gifts say about the Giver?  This is where a whole new world has opened up to me.  It’s not just a list.  It’s a door to worship. 

Buttercups are a door to worship.  Worship of the God who is powerful enough to create this mind-bogglingly big universe and yet thoughtful enough to design the beautifully simple and small buttercup.

Small wonders.  Amazing God.

Several years ago I noticed buttercups.  Of course I’d known of their existence but I never really bothered to look at them.  Or rather, examine them.   As a child you’d put them under your chin to see if you liked butter.  As an adult they’re usually a nuisance to your otherwise pristine, weed-free lawn.  Next time you see one, pluck it from the ground and really look at it.  You’ll be amazed at the symmetry of its design.  And not just the design of its petals, but even the leaves underneath.  Something so small and yet designed so beautifully and thoughtfully.

Does it make you wonder?  I don’t mean wonder as in question.  I mean wonder as in marvel.  I look at this small thing, this weed really, and I marvel.  I worship the Creator of the small and overlooked.