Written by: Leia Marie
“And He said: Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
– Matthew 18:3
Sitting on the grass at the top of the bluff, the sun draping the sky in gold, I felt a rare stillness and awe sweep over me. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the hush of the early spring evening, these simple gifts reminded me of something the pastor had just talked about in church that morning: “Simple living leads to a fuller, more compassionate life.
Stress has a way of stealing our playfulness, our joy, and even our sense of wonder. It fills our days with rushing and worrying, crowding out the awe that once came so naturally, like when we were children, discovering the world with fresh eyes.
And then, as if God wanted to paint the lesson in motion, a bald eagle swooped swiftly just above my head close enough that I could hear the vibration and wind underneath his wings, as he glided powerfully downward toward another eagle flying just ahead of me. I watched, breathless, as they moved with effortless grace and strength, almost dancing through the golden air, untethered and free. My heart leapt with a spark of that childlike awe. The thrill of noticing, the joy of witnessing, the delight in the fully present.
Returning to that sense of wonder is not just nostalgia, it is restoration. When we slow down, simplify, and truly pay attention, our hearts begin to open. Playfulness returns, laughter bubbles easily, understanding begins, and compassion flows naturally, not from duty, but from a soul renewed.
Today, atop this bluff, enveloped in the warm golden sunlight and the eagles soaring and swooping around me, I am reminded: simple living is not less, it is the path back to joy, to awe, to wonder, and to peace. It is the invitation to see the world as God intended: beautiful, alive, and full of playful, soaring grace.
Companion Scriptures:
Psalm 46:10
Psalm 19:1
Isaiah 40:31
Reflection Questions:
- When was the last time you slowed down long enough to notice the beauty around you?
- What simple moments in your life help restore your sense of wonder?
- How might simplifying your pace and priorities create more space for joy and compassion?
Closing Prayer:
Avinu, Our Father,
You are so mighty and incredible, I am in awe of You. Nothing rivals Your love, power, and wisdom. Father, teach me to breathe deeply, to slow down and notice Your majesty and beauty all around me each day. May I take the time to be still in Your presence, even if just for a moment, and get to know Your Spirit, Your heart, Your will. May I learn to connect, share, and commune with You so that I grow closer to You and stronger in Your ways. And may my priorities align with Your good and perfect will.
In Your Precious and Amazing Son, Jesus’ name.
Amen.
