A lady at work and her family recently went to Universal Studios. Their 3-year-old daughter likes Harry Potter. While they were there, they purchased their daughter a wand. The family went around to the marked spots on the map to let their daughter use her wand and “do magic.” My co-worker said her daughter was ecstatic with excitement and jumped up and down each time the magic happened.

The family went from spot to spot on the map allowing the daughter to use her wand and do magic. The daughter responded the same way each time, squealing with delight and jumping and dancing around. She was so entertaining and fun to watch that people began to follow them around. Then a Universal Studios worker came up to them and explained that when they see someone so excited and enjoying the experience, they invite them to come with them and experience the secret magic that is not on the map.

The family went with the Universal Studios worker who at each secret spot would explain to the daughter what to do. The daughter would wave her wand and the “magic” would happen, utter joy and enthusiasm ensued.

I had the privilege of going to Universal Studios earlier this year. While we were there, we rushed from ride to ride trying to get in as much as we could. We did not slow down and take the time to experience the “magic.”

I am an adult. I was with other adults.  I thought the wands and the “magic” are for kids. (And I’m a huge Harry Potter fan.)

What is it that happens to us as adults that we often miss the awe and wonder of life?

When do we lose the joy of experiencing the “magic” of life?

Why do we become so concerned with doing as much as we can that we miss being in the experience? Or we become so concerned with what others might think of us if we take time to enjoy, play, be silly?

Are we missing the awe and wonder of God’s miracles each day because we are rushing around trying to do as much as we can?

We have a map – the Bible – that helps us know where to look for the joy in life and where to find it.

We have the Holy Spirit in us – our Guide – willing to lead us to discover the secret “magic.”

Are we willing to listen? To follow? To know His Joy and delight?

Life is a gift to be enjoyed.

Let’s slow down, take time, pay attention, and experience the awe and wonder of life, God’s magic.

Amen.