Chasing Wonderনমুনা

Day 10: The Adventures that Matter Most 

In the world we live in, we often strive for value and worth in success and professional recognition. These are good things, and you should be pleased when hard work pays off, but these alone will never give you the complete fulfillment that you need. I had accumulated five Emmy nominations before I finally heard my name called. Five. Talk about always the bridesmaid. It felt great for my work to be acknowledged by my peers. It was a good moment.

A few years later, in a tiny village in the African bush, we had been working hard all day sharing heartbreaking stories of need such as I had never seen before. To my surprise, a group of tribal leaders presented me with a lovely clay honey pot decorated with tiny, white shells. They explained that their hearts were touched by the words I shared with our television audience regarding kindness and God’s love for all people, and they offered me this simple yet beautiful gift to show their gratitude. When we arrived back in the city, several people noticed the honey pot and explained to me what a great honor this was in their culture. 

The clay pot sits on a shelf at home close to the Emmy and other professional awards – completely overshadowing them. No one who sees it knows what it represents, but it means a great deal to me. 

Throughout our home you will also find many other important things. A tiny scrap of paper saying, “You are so ‘speshal’ to me Mommy.” Candid snapshots reminding us of wonderful memories, like the silly faces our family can’t help but make together everywhere we go. These photos and notes of love and gratitude represent the moments I cherish most of all…too many to count and more precious than any accomplishment or award.

Don’t go chasing accolades or approval thinking you’ll find real wonder. There is very little that is real in what you find there. When you slow down and stand in awe of those chicken scratch notes from your kids or the photos of priceless family moments, what you will find is God’s incredible and indescribable goodness and love for you. His love is the one treasure that will truly complete you. In it you will find the foundation for all the joy and adventure you crave!

Bask in the fullness of God’s love for you. It is the greatest wonder of all! This releases you from the constant struggle to win people’s approval. It just isn’t necessary because it doesn’t compare. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

You are so important that the Creator of the universe gave everything for you. You are whole and loved completely! And that is exactly why He longs to share His goodness with you. His wonder, beauty and joy! Keep chasing after it and allow Him to fill your life to overflowing.

Spend some time thinking about what you consider as “success” for your life. Consider the treasures you may be overlooking. Now, ask God what He wants to do in and through you as his “chosen possession.” Allow this perspective to change your outlook of true wonder!