In Over My Head with Awe and Wonder

What brings you to awe and wonder?

Often, for me, it's being outside in nature and seeing God's creativity all around me. One place that left me truly speechless - no words, just click, click, clicks of my camera trying to capture as much of the beauty around me as possible - is the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia.

I know, right! It's incredible. Truly, the eighth wonder of the world for this flower-lover.

I loved it so much, and I want you to experience it one day, too. Check out the video at the end of this post to learn more. Add your email below to gain access to the Resources page and download your FREE copy of a Pacific Northwest Itinerary - Must-Do's for 1 Weekend.

Awe and wonder are so fitting for this first year of The Good Day. It has been such an incredible year filled with the best surprises! Last week, we recounted four surprises, and today, I'm excited to share the #1 SURPRISE OF YEAR 1!

If you missed last week's post, no worries. It's here waiting for you! Give it a read and celebrate with us!

By far, the biggest surprise that has me in complete awe and wonder day after day after day is seeing the hand of God at work.

But, I have to say my "awe and wonder" on day one when I first announced this adventure was not the same kind of awe and wonder I'm experiencing today.

In Over My Head

Let me back up for a minute. You see, when I felt God lead me to start sharing my writing, I had been off social media - completely off the grid with no intent to return - for four years. At first, I thought I would take a few days away, but then after one week, I forgot about it. After four years, I became comfortable off the grid.

So the thought of returning to social media was uncomfortable. Very much so.

But I knew I needed to do this, so I got back on Facebook, but y'all. Everything had changed. I work in software so I know how quickly technology and user interfaces change. A lot had changed on Facebook in four years. I remember thinking, "Gosh, it's no longer just a "like," there are all kinds of emojis and marketplaces and apparently people are really into sharing these things called 'stories' now."

See what I mean?

...In over my head #1.

And it just kept on. I had never had a 'gram (I think that's what the cool kids call it) so I called a friend and that's where my wonder peaked.

At that time, I wasn't quite ready to have social media on my phone again. So there I was trying to add my first IG post and I'm searching the whole website for a way to do this. As a Product Manager, I was quick to think, "Gosh, who's leading their product management? Can we get some usability testing on this? This is so bad! I don't even know how to post something and that's the whole point!"

I remember calling a good friend and asking her, "So umm, how do I make a post?!" We laughed for several minutes and then she kindly showed me how to re-enter the 21st century with the world of Instagram. (I quickly learned - the app is a must-have for this task.)

...In over my head #2.

The wonder only continued. Sharing my first blog post, one that will always be a favorite of mine, was a moment that held excitement as well as another wave of "awe and wonder."

This time, it was "Aw, man. What did I just get myself into? I guess I'm really doing this. I'm like committed now. There's no going back." And at the same time, doubt started flooding my mind as I began to wonder, "What if I run out of words? Will I have enough stories? A weekly blog is a BIG-TIME commitment. Can l even do this?"

...In over my head #3.

Strength Not Our Own

Rightfully so. In my own strength, I might be able to make it happen for a little while, but over time, it would inevitably lose steam. If this was based on my strength and wisdom, I doubt it would have made it two months.

Thankfully, there's Someone else leading this.

I don't know what you're facing today but I want to encourage you that when you feel in over your head, remember God leads us to the deep so we have to rely on His strength and not our own.

I could have shared one piece and called it good. "Look, God. I obeyed." But, that would have been like me diving in the deep and then swimming back to shore. That's what the comfort-loving Candace wanted to do.

But, He had more to teach me. I needed to learn how to trust Him day-by-day in unknown waters. It's in these unknown waters, when we are fully reliant on Him, where God has room to show Himself faithful.

Every piece I write begins the same way. I open my hands, quiet my heart, and ask "God, what do you want to teach me today?" I'm learning and growing with every word, and getting to share it with all of you in hopes of encouraging you to learn and grow in your own walk with God is the cherry on top for me!

So today, the only response I know is to pray and thank God for His loving kindness and for the number one surprise of how God refuses to let us stay in the shallow when there's beauty and new wisdom to learn in the deep with Him.

Pray with me.

Father God,

We humbly stand in awe of You. You've done it again. Faithful, that's what You do because that's who You are. Your goodness is chasing after us and we see all of these surprises in our lives are all from Your hand alone.

We thank you for allowing us to see You more clearly this year. You are opening our eyes and helping us learn the spiritual discipline of awareness. Our fears are drowned with the recognition that You are above all. Thank You for teaching us to see You and trust You.

Be exalted and glorified!

Be with each person who reads these words - those written before, those on this page and those to come. Help us to see You. Reframe our perspectives and help us to see our circumstances through the lens of Your grace. May we grow in our love and knowledge of You and live in the fullness You have for us. May our lives not be about us but about You and shining your light to the people You have brought into our paths.

We love You and we live for You alone. In Jesus' mighty and powerful name we pray, amen.

May we rely on His strength to step into the unknown waters. May fear be drowned and joy renewed as we focus our attention on the One in the deep with us. May His peace wash over us and be shared with those He places in our paths today and the days to come. May our hearts rest in gratitude and prayer for all He has done and is yet to do!

I don't know what He has in store for year 2, but I do know with certainty, we can plan to be surprised!

Oh, and here's the video I promised.

P.S. We threw in a few jokes just for fun!

The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.

I love hearing from you, so go ahead. Leave a comment. Be brave. Maybe your comment will speak life into someone else!

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