Awe-Inspired Tears of Amazement
The earth is filled with many wonders.
“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:1 NIV)
Photo taken by Lisa Stenger
On a warm Monday evening, my beautiful four-year-old granddaughter, Makenna, was sitting out on the lawn, surrounded by her mother and a circle of women and children from the women’s group. They eagerly awaited the spectacle of the night sky, which was promising a mesmerizing display of the moon and stars.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, the moon offered a waning gibbous phase. The moon heads back towards the sun. The lighted side of the moon appears to shrink during this phase. (msn.com/en-us/news/us) The illumination of the moon after sunset would display vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple during sundown.
As promised, at sundown, there was a blaze of bright orange, pink, and purple colors across the atmosphere. People from all over anticipated this moment, building towards the celestial wonder that was soon to unfold.
A few days later, while driving with Makenna, I asked if she was able to go outside on Monday night to see the moon. This question sparked a wonderful conversation between us.
“Mimi, I did! I saw it,” she responded.
“What did you see?”
“I couldn’t believe what my eyes see’d.” (In 4-year-old language)
“Oh, wonderful, I’m so glad. What did you think of the moon and sky?”
“I cried because it was so beautiful. I said to mommy, “Why am I crying?” Mommy said, I must’ed be excited to see it.”
“I must ’ed be so excited that I was crying. I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing.”
“What were your eyes seeing that made you excited?”
“I must have been so excited to see the moon be all those colors.”
“What colors did you see?”
“I saw bright colors like a rainbow, but all over the moon and sky, like pink and purple. All my favorite colors.”
“Wow, that had to be so special to see.”
“I just couldn’t believe what I saw, Mimi. I was so excited that it made me cry. I can’t believe I was so excited that I cried. I still can’t believe it.”
Four-year-old Makenna has undergone three major open-heart surgeries. Over the past 14 months, she has been navigating her parents' divorce and the shared custody arrangements that come with it. Imagine her stress and mixed emotions on top of healing. Her father has been using a children’s book about emotions for the past year, which has helped Makenna express her feelings more easily. Now, when she describes her emotions, she understands what they mean. It has been a helpful tool in communicating and speaking together in fun and healthy ways, especially during stressful times.
This particular Monday evening, Makenna was struck with such a profound emotion that it brought her to tears. Inspiring her to think beyond what she understands, towards a deeper connection to something greater in the universe. This is the overwhelming presence of God. She encountered his holiness, majestic creation, and power. Amazed at His tapestry in the sky and the absolute reality of the astounding almighty works He has made. I believe at that moment she had total respect and appreciation for the beauty, magnificence, and power of our Maker. This was a powerful moment for me to hear from the mouth of a child who is only four. It fills me up with such joy!
As a grandparent, I have learned to be more relaxed in my guidance and discipline. I find I am more open to creativity, patience, and appreciate the goodness of God that surrounds me. I want to share these life lessons with my children and grandchildren.
On our way home from getting medication for our cat Pikachu, I asked Makenna if she wanted to stop by the lake to see the view. I was hoping we would have a sighting of the bald eagles that reside there. To our disappointment, there were no bald eagles in sight. We removed our shoes and stood at the water's edge. I looked away for a moment, and when I looked back at Makenna, I was captivated. She was a vision in her pink dress, its delicate fabric flowing gracefully as if dancing atop the water. The gentle waves lapped at her waist as she sat peacefully in the water, her eyes fixed on the sunlit lake, lost in the tranquil beauty of the moment. She appeared to be in a state of complete peace.
Makenna Rose photo taken by Mimi, Lisa Stenger.
I was reminded of the serenity and beauty that surrounds us. I took off my shoes and joined her. We laughed, searched for pretty stones in the water, and noticed the turtles sitting on a log. We enjoyed ourselves as we observed the various birds and baby fish that filled the space around us. There was no yelling because she got her dress all wet, which is something I would likely have done with my children. There was no consequence for not asking first. Because the wisdom that came with my age and life experiences knew this was a precious moment of God to be savored.
Makenna displays the childlike faith with amazement that I often find in my later years returning into my heart. She can’t help but play in the rain, jump in a muddy puddle, go on nature scavenger hunts, and point out the colorful butterfly on the bush as she passes by. I hear her often say, “Mimi, I am having the best moment of my life.” She notices things with amazement, as we all should. This world is busier than we were created for, and we miss the special moments God puts on display around us.
Makenna Rose enjoying a mud puddle after the rain. Photo taken by daddy.
Why are we always in a rush? What are we rushing around for?
Why is it important to complete everything on our list before taking a moment to connect with others?
What are we missing?
After each life crisis or moment of despair, I find myself appreciating the beauty of God’s creation more profoundly. The brilliance of His handiwork shines brighter, transforming my despair into a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude. Some weeks, I put off the house cleaning to have breakfast with a friend on my only morning free. I put off organizing my closet to sit and write some greeting cards to those who need a little encouragement. I take a moment to be alone outside, even in the rain, to look up and thank God for all he has blessed me with, even if I’m still in a time of struggle.
I am sure that on this Monday evening, Makenna experienced the fullness of God’s love enter her heart and soul. God recognizes the teachable and weak. He revealed himself in a way that moved and shook her core, allowing her to see His glory right there on display before her very eyes.
Photo taken by Lisa Stenger in front of her home.
God is setting his masterpiece in the sky before us as a gift and a reminder of His promise to us. He is in control and cares for all His creations. His work is never done, and we shall declare all praise to the splendor he reveals throughout our time here on earth, not to be taken for granted.
The Lord has a divine plan for each of us, and we have significance within the echoing sentiments expressed in moments, as Makenna has experienced in her short life.
READ: Psalm 8:1-4
For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David.
1 Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
How majestic is His name that we shall declare the greatness of God’s power beyond creation of the earth and to the heavens.
REFLECTION:
Where have you recently witnessed God's magnificent expression?
Have you been seeking demonstrations of His glory and power around you?
What have you done lately to pause and reflect on the vastness and beauty of His creation?
PRAY:
Lord of heaven and earth, help me to embrace the moments when I need to pay close attention. Help me recognize the greatness you have displayed for me to see. I am in awe of your love for me. You have created me uniquely, with care and love. Your hands have wonderfully designed me, and I bring you great joy when I seek to be with you. I add great value to your master plan by living with purpose. Help me be love and share your love with others. May all victories be given in the name of Jesus when I overcome challenges and adversities. I stand in awe of you and your indescribable power. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
