Raise your hand if you’re an adult.
Do you have so many responsibilities that you can’t keep count anymore? Be honest. Now, let me ask you this:
When was the last time you truly slowed down?
Why does it seem that the older we get, the harder it is to slow down-to breathe, to notice? Why is it so hard to see God in the little moments of everyday?
See God Through a Child’s Eyes
Have you ever watched a young child at play? As a mom, I’ve had the joy of watching my two children grow, play and explore the world. And you know what I’ve noticed?
Young children seem to possess something us adults tend to lose as we get older—a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. About everything.
They have a question for every occasion. They even point out the things we don’t see anymore.
“Why is the grass green?”
“Why do dogs bark?”
“What makes ice cream taste so yummy?”
I remember when my daughter was little, she was always fascinated by the ladybugs gathering on the porch. She’d try to pick them up and play with them. She would giggle when they crawled across her little fingers.
Both of my kids also really enjoyed catching lightning bugs in the backyard.
When did we stop noticing the lady bugs and lightning bugs? Somewhere we lose that sense of awe.
To children, the world is a wide-open place-full of mystery and wonder. But as adults, we get so busy. We lose the ability to see God in the everyday things He has placed there for us to enjoy. Time speeds up and we forget to stop and smell the roses.
Rediscovering Childlike Wonder
You remember right? When you were a child, how things felt—how they smelled, how they tasted? There was something about it.
- The birds chirped joyfully on a warm spring morning.
- The sweet smell and taste of a honeysuckle was heavenly.
- The sky, the grass and the trees all seemed to look brighter.
- We were excited for life!
That childlike wonder? It’s still in you. You can rediscover it by using the five senses that God has blessed us with, just as children do.
Romans 1:20 reminds us, “God has left a witness of himself in creation, making his eternal power and divine attributes clear.”
He has scattered little notes of joy all around us- we just have to look.
Using the Five Senses
“Taste and see that the LORD is good.”-Psalm 34:9
We experience God not just through big miracles, but through small, everyday moments.
Let’s take a moment to reconnect with each of our senses:
Sight
What beauty can you notice around you? The vibrant color of the flowers? Perhaps it’s the beauty in the sky as the soft, white clouds dance on their blue backdrop. Is it the way the honeybees gracefully gather nectar? Beauty is all around us. Take note of anything you find beautiful.
Sound
Turn off the noise and just listen. What do you hear? Notice the birds singing joyfully, the wind rustling through the trees, or the rain tapping on the windows. My favorite sound is children’s laughter. Their joy is contagious. If you have kids nearby, let their giggles remind you of carefree joy. (And yes, you can still feel that too.)
Smell
Before a summer rain, step outside and breathe. Take in the scent of the earth. Maybe you have the sweet smell of a fruit tree or some wildflowers nearby. Take note of the smell of fresh cut grass, or your favorite meal simmering on the stove. Just soak it all in.
Taste
Slow down when you eat. Really focus on the flavors of the dish-the sweetness of a juicy strawberry, or the creaminess of your favorite ice cream. Let each bite be a moment of gratitude.
Touch
Do you have a furry friend? Feel the softness of their fur. Notice the way the grass feels between your toes or the soft sand of the beach. Allow yourself to be fully present in those moments.
4 Simple Steps to See God in the Everyday
- Slow Down-When you feel like rushing through your day, remember to slow down. Perform each task and be in the moment. When we slow down, it is easier to enjoy where we are at. Slow your movement, breathing, eating-whatever you are doing.
Psalm 46:10 says, ” Be still and know I am God...”
- Take Notice-Use your 5 senses and pay attention to what is around you.
- Absorb it all-Don’t rush through these moments. This goes back to slowing down. Let them soak in. Allow yourself to feel the joy, awe and peace.
- Give Thanks-Praise God for the little things. When you notice the smell of a summer rain, or the sound of children’s laughter, give thanks to the One who sent that little bit of joy into your life.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.”-Psalm 106:1
Give it a Try
What are some ways you can rediscover your childlike wonder and see God in the everyday?
This week, I challenge you to take 5 minutes a day to slow down and use your senses. No phones, no distractions. Just you and God.
What did you notice that you haven’t in a while?
Where did you find God today?
Share your experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear them! Thanks so much for reading!
“Trust that God is present in the every moment, big or small.” -Psalm 118:24