Over the ten years we’ve lived in San Diego, I’ve collected dozens of pictures of my two boys crouching and pointing. We are fortunate to live close enough to the ocean where tide pooling is a regular activity. There is much to see and discover, especially in the winter months. We check the tide charts and when the water is low enough, we park near Sunset Cliffs and walk down a steep set of stairs to the beach, overlooking surfers in the water.
On any given day, we’re likely to see hundreds of hermit crabs, but we especially have our eyes peeled for the unusual. Finding a sea creature in a tide pool is a delight. We have spotted sea hares—long, dark purple blobs, squishy to the touch—and brindle sea stars, their long spindly legs splayed across a rock. There was much shouting and pointing the day we found a small octopus who was trying (and failing) to stay camouflaged by a rock.
I love my kids’ wonder and curiosity on display at the tide pools. It’s the posture I want to have whenever I open my Bible. I want to come to the word of God with eager expectation, ready to see and hear what God might have to show me. Often, though, I flip through the pages with familiarity, or worse: obligation. My eyes skim over verses and I don’t engage my own imagination.
The wonder and awe of my kids challenges me to see the word of God anew, to point at the Truth with delight. The psalmist says:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:7-8, NIV)
What if we approached scripture ready to be delighted? What if we adopted a posture of curiosity and wonder? Knowing that the words of God refresh our soul, bring us wisdom, fill our hearts with joy and our eyes with light will renew our desire to open our Bibles that we may know and love God more deeply.
Blessings,
Sarah Butterfield, sarahkbutterfield.com
I love the idea of “tide pool theology”. As I begin my devotions each morning, I will strive to remember this and adopt an attitude of wonder as I read the Bible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and this perspective.
Glad this resonated with you! I hope this attitude serves you well in your walk with God!
Beautiful post on finding wonder in God’s Word. I love the idea of coming to the word of God with eager expectation.
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement!
I love everything you write! You are a true kindred spirit and one of my all-time favorite MOPS speakers (North Coast Church, Vista).