Shock and Awe

 I think we have lost the space in our lives for shock and awe. What I mean by this is that we have become so hardened that we are only shocked by things that are truly evil and that is even a sometimes. How often do we go to our favorite news source and just keep scrolling past the news from the destruction that was left behind from hurricanes, to mass shootings, to serious pandemics and we just chalk it up to another day of either being alive or the news only reporting the bad stuff. The worst part is how often do we blame other role or politicians for the mess we are in while becoming more cynical. I don’t think we should stick our heads in the sand with these issues and we need to take responsibility for our part, but I do think that we need to be in awe of beauty and greatness from time to time.

  The musician Prince as a line in his song Let’s go Crazy that goes “dearly beloved we are gathered to get through this thing called life.” Gathering together in person is so important. Through this we van realize that people are more than just things to argue with and call names. It’s bout sharing the good stuff of life along with the struggles. Also how much better does the food and drink taste when done with people.

  Another thing that we can do is remember Gods goodness and greatness.  How often do we get rolling so hard that we often think that it’s about me or a particular event. When I’ve done this I have had a boss tell me to slow down and breath. In essence it’s hitting that reset button and realizing that it’s not about me and it is putting God back on His throne and readjusting our plan, purpose and action. 

  

  The last step can be found in Psalm 46:10 of being still and knowing that God is God. How often do we just stop tp be in each other’s or Gods presence with no agenda. Not only do we need to develop a comfort with silence, but also discernment to what the Holy Sirit is doing and leading. This is where we get our awe and sense of amazement back and we don’t become so bitter. As I’m writing this at a local coffee shop there were two guys working on something and one of the guys took off his ball cap so they could pray. Not only this practicing being in awe and valuing relationship, but it’s being sensitive to the Spirit and acting on it.

  One last thing let’s be like the people in the picture and stopping what they are doing and being present. Being present in the moment and not worrying about the future is the quickest way to regain our shock and awe. After all tomorrow has its own issues to deal with