Although it was many years ago, I clearly remember running along the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunrise. The photographers with long lens cameras soon wandered off when the sun crested. Then it was just me, gazing with awe and wonder at the beautiful view. I’ve no idea how far or fast I ran, none of that mattered.

I’ve also enjoyed the experience of hiking through the woods on a trail leading to a waterfall. The rushing water could be heard before it was seen, building anticipation, letting me know it was near. It’s a glorious thing to see and hear the power of so much water flowing; to feel the mist landing on my sun-warmed skin.

I’m deeply grateful for these moments of awe as I’ve stood before such large displays of beauty. It’s the kind of beauty that people plan ahead for, have seen pictures of, and want to experience for themselves. You can’t see it and not be affected by it.

There are other moments of standing at the window in my hotel room, blessed with a view of the sunset passing through all its changes of color.

The sky is aflame

Streaks of color at day’s end

Captivating me

I’m also deeply grateful for the small moments that surprise me, that make me stop and admire. The things noticed on walks in my neighborhood, on paths that are familiar to me. I’ve called out to strangers, interrupted their conversations in order to point out the incredible cuteness of tiny turtles basking in sunshine.

Once, after a happy run, I walked to the edge of a dock to stretch and soak up the stillness of the morning. My heart filled with gratitude. The light was soft, and the dawn chorus was all that could be heard. Looking to the right, I noticed a great blue heron, standing tall. It was as though we were sharing this time of morning prayers.

While glancing out my back door to check for hummingbirds at the feeder, I saw something black on the corner of my patio. Once outside I could see that it was a butterfly that had just come out of it’s chrysalis. After taking a few pictures, I pulled up a chair to watch it being swayed by the breeze. What an incredible sight to see, right here at my home! I hadn’t even noticed the chrysalis before, and was grateful to see the beauty of it’s metamorphosis.

Go ahead and make plans to see the big wonders you’ve heard so much about. Take a picture, then take some time in stillness to gaze in awe. But also be on the lookout for the small wonders in your neighborhood, maybe at your own home. I have often said that when I look for God’s blessings I always find them.

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

-W.B. Yeats