From the Chaplain

Awe(some)

There is a word that I use all the time and usually it’s out of context… awesome. That’s the word, awesome. Like most people these days I use it as an agreeable response to things that are great, nice, or even just plain OK. But what does this 16th Century word really mean?

A quick web search says that awesome means, “causing or inducing awe; inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear: an awesome sight”.

I feel like the true meaning of this word points us to something greater than ourselves; the profound feeling of awe that we get when we witness something awesome is a clue that we were ‘hardwired’ to look for our Maker in all that is made. 

There is no such thing as an awe-less human being. From the time we are born we are all captivated by certain things that capture our attention and steer our focus. My little kids are almost constantly in a state of awe which manifests itself in the shape of questions about absolutely anything and everything. This often leads to some interesting and great conversations.

The things we’re in awe of never completely satisfy our curiosity and in time we find ourselves looking for awe in new places, things, ideas, and more. The things we’re in awe of aren’t meant to be stopping points, they all point us in the direction of God who is the ultimate designer and creator of all that is awesome. I believe it is only in God that our awe can and will be wonderfully satisfied – isn’t that awesome news?

Bible Verse: 

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.– Psalm 65:8

Challenge: 

Go out of your way to find things to be in awe of, ask each other for ideas, go exploring, and see if you can find at least one thing around you every day that inspires awe within.

If you are comfortable in doing so, take it a step further by intentionally imagining God as being the creator of all that is truly awesome and give thanks to Him for each and every awe-filled moment as they arise. 

Mr Luke Webb

Chaplain