Engage Your Five Senses this Winter and Behold the Wonders of God
Engaging our five senses opens us to moments of wonder we might otherwise miss.
“God has strewn our paths with wonders and we certainly should not go through life without seeing them.” Alexander Graham Bell
An eight-foot-long window on the north side of the tiny house faces mountain ranges skirted in native trees. Just a glimpse of the majestic peaks stirs this heart to wonder.
And then there’s the joyful chirping heard from nearby Robins as they swoop down in search of late-bearing fruit. Birds, in general, remind me of God’s care.
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:26
But to hear their chirping praises to the Lord reminds me to be joyful and content with His provisions.
Pausing to celebrate even the tiniest of God’s wonders, prompts our heart to worship throughout the day.
Perhaps winter is the ideal season to cultivate the art of slowing down long enough to take note of God at work around us?
It begins with prayer.
And heightening our awareness of God’s wonders may also require practice.
“Great are the works of the LORD, they are pondered by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2
Below is a list of fun observations made over the past couple of weeks. It’s a simple way to train the brain in becoming more intentional to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste the wonders of God. What will you notice this week?
See:
- Red cardinals on bare branches. Bright spots among the bleak.
- Forgotten homes, abandoned buildings, and barns normally hidden behind foliage. What stories did they once hold?
- Here in the south, the blessing comes in what we don’t see…mosquitoes. That reason alone is cause for praise!
- Words, sentences, and paragraphs. Reading while curled up beneath a chunky knit blanket and hugging a warm cup of tea = a perfect winter oasis. (Here’s what I’m reading now. And let’s just say she’s found a life-long fan in me.)
Hear:
- Squeals of joy from nearby slopes as children slide on sleds.
- The hefty crunch of boots when stepping on frozen ground.
- Zipping up heavy coats.
- Puzzle pieces snapping into place.
- Snow-fall silence. A glorious deafening indeed.
- Tiny crackles of static when removing toboggans.
- A whistling tea kettle, assuring us of a soon-to-be pause.
- Thumps of wood being tossed into the fireplace.
Touch:
- Blankets – heavy but soft, combining to bring warmth and comfort.
- Heated car seats. Need I say more?
- Smoother hair – fewer frizzies thanks to the lower humidity.
- Snow – a wintry delight (for those of us in the south), possessing the power to transform grown adults into giddy ten-year-olds.
Smell:
- Propane (gas logs).
- The sharp scent of cedar when split for kindling.
- Candles with the rich fragrances of fir, evergreens, and spices.
- Lemon, frankincense, and eucalyptus essential oils misting the room to help keep everyone healthy.
- Freshly-washed flannel sheets that hold a hint of Downy.
Taste:
- Snow cream! Fresh snow, pure vanilla, and cane sugar (blended with memories of my grandmother making it for me) creates the sweetest of concoctions.
- of Spring…when bright crocuses emerge and ole-timey Witch Hazel shrubs blossom the color of sunshine.
- Hot cocoa made with whole milk, topped with puffs of chalky white goodness.
- Homemade soup, like this family Chicken Noodle recipe.
Want to become more intentional in noticing the details this week? Here’s a handy guide created just for you!
What winter observation sparks your spirit to praise the wonders of God?
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* **If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy “Engaging Our Five Senses this Spring 2020”.
