I have felt the "wow" every night (save a few rainy nights) for the past month, when I've sat on my deck and watched the sun sink below the trees across the little hollow behind my house. You see, I was a stay-at-home mom for 29 years; my husband brought home the bacon, and I fried it up in a pan, raised and homeschooled our four kids, and made our house a home. But we divorced in March, sold our home in May, and through God's grace, I was able to buy a little townhome of my own. I've never lived alone, so that first night I was feeling a whole range of emotions—tired, anxious, sad, lonely. So when I glanced out my sliding glass door (devoid of curtains) and discovered I had a panoramic view of the sunset from my tiny deck (devoid of furniture and decoration), it brought tears to my eyes. I adore a good sunset, and the one that night was spectacular. It felt like a gift from God just for me, His way of telling me, "It's okay, child. I've got you." Now, I lean back in my new lounge chair every night and watch the setting sun paint the sky, and all I can think or feel or say is, "Wow, God. Just...wow." But I'm not just in awe of God's stunning artwork, but also for His unending love and provision for me. That's the true "wow"!
I wrote in my journal this morning this found quote from John Milton: 'Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world' :)
I am feeling this right now, from the stars to the surprises. Am going to challenge myself the rest of this writing month to embrace the charge to (creatively) revolt against the ordinary. As always, thanks for your graceful expertise.
Hi Stephanie. I wanted to thank you for being available for the interview you did with Emily P. Freeman. I'm not sure what date it was recorded, but you discussed how those of us who are not fond of social media could reframe platform building by thinking of it in an "invitational" way. As in "hosting" a gathering. Because I value inclusion, this spoke to me and helped me to embrace a new attitude about my interactions with strangers "out there" - rather than dwelling on how an introvert like me would have to force my way into a space that felt false and contrived. This gave me hope! I'm looking forward to receiving more wisdom (and hope!) through your newsletter. This morning, I'm asking God to continue to bless your work in the world. Thank you again!
I feel this so much in this season. The wow in the mundane. This is the new focus of my podcast I’ve been revamping over the summer. How reflecting on simple stories brings deeper self-awareness.
I did not have much on my agenda for today. This usually freaks me out because I often feel the need to do something all the time. Instead I was met with a morning workout sprinkled with life giving conversation from my partner, lingering laughter over eggs and toast, taking a solid 2 hour nap during laundry because my body is still catching up from COVID 3 weeks ago.
When I woke up I read this newsletter and felt perfectly wowed with how content I felt after a day of not much.
I have felt the "wow" every night (save a few rainy nights) for the past month, when I've sat on my deck and watched the sun sink below the trees across the little hollow behind my house. You see, I was a stay-at-home mom for 29 years; my husband brought home the bacon, and I fried it up in a pan, raised and homeschooled our four kids, and made our house a home. But we divorced in March, sold our home in May, and through God's grace, I was able to buy a little townhome of my own. I've never lived alone, so that first night I was feeling a whole range of emotions—tired, anxious, sad, lonely. So when I glanced out my sliding glass door (devoid of curtains) and discovered I had a panoramic view of the sunset from my tiny deck (devoid of furniture and decoration), it brought tears to my eyes. I adore a good sunset, and the one that night was spectacular. It felt like a gift from God just for me, His way of telling me, "It's okay, child. I've got you." Now, I lean back in my new lounge chair every night and watch the setting sun paint the sky, and all I can think or feel or say is, "Wow, God. Just...wow." But I'm not just in awe of God's stunning artwork, but also for His unending love and provision for me. That's the true "wow"!
I wrote in my journal this morning this found quote from John Milton: 'Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world' :)
I am feeling this right now, from the stars to the surprises. Am going to challenge myself the rest of this writing month to embrace the charge to (creatively) revolt against the ordinary. As always, thanks for your graceful expertise.
Thank you Stephanie .. I learned so much from these inspiring, poetic words, drew the prayer of epiphany close and whispered it with
Wow!! This newsletter!! Thank. You. So. Much.
"Lead is us in the primal prayer of, 'wow.'" I love that!
Hi Stephanie. I wanted to thank you for being available for the interview you did with Emily P. Freeman. I'm not sure what date it was recorded, but you discussed how those of us who are not fond of social media could reframe platform building by thinking of it in an "invitational" way. As in "hosting" a gathering. Because I value inclusion, this spoke to me and helped me to embrace a new attitude about my interactions with strangers "out there" - rather than dwelling on how an introvert like me would have to force my way into a space that felt false and contrived. This gave me hope! I'm looking forward to receiving more wisdom (and hope!) through your newsletter. This morning, I'm asking God to continue to bless your work in the world. Thank you again!
I feel this so much in this season. The wow in the mundane. This is the new focus of my podcast I’ve been revamping over the summer. How reflecting on simple stories brings deeper self-awareness.
I did not have much on my agenda for today. This usually freaks me out because I often feel the need to do something all the time. Instead I was met with a morning workout sprinkled with life giving conversation from my partner, lingering laughter over eggs and toast, taking a solid 2 hour nap during laundry because my body is still catching up from COVID 3 weeks ago.
When I woke up I read this newsletter and felt perfectly wowed with how content I felt after a day of not much.