2025: The Wonder of a Soul
Jun 01, 2025
Wonder: what is it? What produces it? It is described by Merriam-Webster as “a cause of astonishment or admiration.” However, if we are to look at it a step further, wonder is the internal praise we have for God’s creation, and through it, to the omnipotent Creator, whether we are Christian or not. Our human souls are naturally drawn to God and to worshiping Him as we were originally designed for, even if we do not realize it. Simply put, God is the true source of all goodness and all wonder stems from love of Him. Throughout my life as a Catholic homeschooler, I have found wonder in people, in creation, and in God.
The Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois. Public domain.
The Bible reveals in Mathew 22:37-39, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” God created humanity to love him and to love one another. I have discovered wonder throughout homeschooling in the entirety of people God has designed. Throughout my childhood, I have formed countless irreplaceable memories with friends and lasting friendships which have lifted up my heart above the occasional waves of despair and loneliness. Watching classmates and teachers exchange knowledge and practice virtue has filled my soul with awe and gratitude. Recalling all the people and friends I’ve met in my life, I dwell upon what a wonderful blessing it is to have had a community to share the faith with.
Whether it be from God’s direct design or through humans imitating His goodness, I have encountered wonder throughout homeschooling in observing beauty. My own 2-year-old sister has shown me how brilliant God created the human body to be in her development from a mustard seed in my mother’s womb, to an energetic, smart, and emotional toddler. Wonder has struck me as I have watched children growing around me in co-ops and at home and how they exhibit such intelligence and personality. How great it is to me that God created us to each be unique and also loved in His sight. Each time I have gone on a road trip, I marvel at how different and beautiful the scenery can be and how extraordinary the universe is in God’s design. Splendor is found in landscapes from the dry deserts of West Texas to the thriving forests of Huntsville to the open sea of Galveston. Art created by mankind is a wonder to behold and regularly moves my soul to awe. For instance, Gregorian Chant is a form of beautiful music that brings me ecstasy and sorrow in pondering upon the mysteries of the Eucharist and accounts of the Saints. The numerous meanings and feelings beautiful paintings and soulful songs convey have brought me closer to Christ.Amidst my homeschooling journey, God has shown me wonder in Himself. His mercy and his justice are fully perfect and to look at even a fraction of his works fills me with astonishment. Prayer to my Lord gratifies my soul and fills me with awe in continuously learning the extent of his love for us. Faith in Him has truly helped me to persevere and to forgive through all my difficulties such as struggles in schoolwork, disputes with family, and personal difficulties. Throughout Catholic homeschooling, I have learned about the various saints that have fulfilled their mission of love in Christ. My confirmation saint, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, is a great example of one of the saints I look up to and ask intercession of in times of need. I am inspired by the story of her life and the lives of numerous other saints. I endeavor to one day become a saint rejoicing in the heavens with my God.
I am excited for what my future holds and for the journey God has planned for me. To seek wonder out again, I plan to look for God in all things and to praise His works as I develop into an adult. Wonder will fill me again as I learn to properly observe the world, participate in my future college classes and enter the workforce. I hope to find a good community in my college years where I may watch the wonder of the lives God has created. Even as I transition into adulthood, I hope to continue to wonder like a child. For Christ Himself said in Mathew 19:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” May I spread wonder to all souls I meet and let it fill all the people of the world in praise of God.
