Living in Awe
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Astonishment is the root of all genuine spiritual experience.” –Richard Rohr
• • •
When was the last time you felt truly awestruck? Not just impressed, but overwhelmed by a sense of wonder that left you breathless? Maybe it was a sunrise painted across the sky, a quiet moment with someone you love, or an unexpected kindness that stopped you in your tracks.
These moments of awe and wonder are foundational spiritual experiences. They awaken us to the Holy, reminding us that life is bigger, deeper, and more sacred than we often remember. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel teaches, “The roots of ultimate insights are found.... on the level of wonder and radical amazement, in the depth of awe, in our sensitivity to the mystery.”
One of our great teachers, writers and mystics, Fr. Richard Rohr says, “When awe and wonder are absent from our life, we build our religion on laws and rituals, trying to manufacture some moment of awe. It works occasionally, I guess.” But real awe can’t be forced. It requires openness—a willingness to let go of control, to stop trying to fit everything into neat boxes, and to be surprised by the goodness, beauty, and mystery that surrounds us. Awe invites us to become learners again, to approach the world with the humility and curiosity of a child.
In Scripture, awe is everywhere. The psalmist declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). The disciples marvel at the miracles of Jesus, and the early church gathers in wonder at the power of the Spirit moving among them. These moments of awe aren’t just emotional—they are transformative. They reorient us, drawing us closer to God and expanding our vision of what is possible.
But here’s the challenge: in a world so often focused on what is wrong, it’s easy to miss the moments of wonder that are still all around us. Awe isn’t about ignoring the pain or brokenness of life. It’s about seeing the beauty that persists within it, the glimpses of God’s presence that remind us we are not alone. Awe is an act of faith, a way of choosing to live with an open heart, even in difficult times.
Today, let’s ask ourselves: How can I live more open to awe? What if I made space each day to pause, to notice, and to be amazed? Healthy faith doesn’t just give us rules to follow; it re-enchants the world. It invites us to see the divine not just in church but in every part of life—in the natural world, in the people we encounter, and in the quiet, sacred moments of our days.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
When was the last time you felt a sense of awe or wonder? What did that moment teach you about the Sacred?
How can you make space in your life to notice the beauty, goodness, and mystery that surrounds you?
What practices or habits might help you approach life with a more open and curious heart?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Awe and Wonder
God of Astonishment,
You fill the world with beauty and goodness,
Yet so often, we rush past it, distracted and busy.
Open our hearts to wonder, our eyes to beauty, our spirits to awe.
Teach us to see Your presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Let us live as learners, open to the mystery of Your love.
May our lives reflect the joy of those who know the world is alive with You.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Cultivating Awe
Take time today to pause and notice something that fills you with wonder. It might be the sound of birdsong, the colors of a sunset, or a small act of kindness that moves your heart.
As you notice, let yourself feel the awe fully. Name it, and thank God for the gift of that moment. If possible, share your experience with someone else—it’s often in sharing that awe grows deeper.
At the end of the day, reflect on how these moments of wonder have shaped your perspective. How has awe reminded you of Love’s presence in your life? Let this practice become a daily rhythm, a way of living with an open heart and a spirit attuned to the Holy.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.