A student came home from school one afternoon and was asked how his day had gone. Rather than mentioning his struggle in chemistry class or the pressures of school life, he shared something unexpected: the sunset he had seen on his walk home. That was the highlight of his day—a moment of awe.
That story stayed with me.
Recently, the grounds of the apartment complex where I live were transformed into something truly remarkable. I heard that over four hundred thousand dollars were invested in the redesign. A landscape architect re imagined the entire space—and it shows. Now, it is not just a garden, but a carefully curated landscape of extraordinary beauty.
The paths, especially those toward the front, are covered in elegant paving stones, designed at a gentle slant to guide the rain away. The walkways curve through the property with thoughtful grace, creating soft loops that invite stillness and exploration. Mounds covered in year-round blooming flowers and lush grass rise like gentle waves. Wallflowers, miniature trees, and clusters of vibrant plants have been arranged to bloom in every season—turning the space into a living tapestry.
And in one particular spot—especially in the early morning—the air is heavy with the scent of roses. Their fragrance reaches out gently, filling the space like a quiet hymn. I often pause there, inhaling deeply, letting that sweet aroma wash over me. There’s something about the smell of fresh roses—pure, rich, and almost sacred—that refreshes the soul.
There are three blocks of buildings and fifty-one apartments here, but at times it feels more like a private park, or even a sanctuary. As I walk these paths, flowers brush against my hands. I pause often—not just to rest, but to feel. These are not just walks; they are experiences of awe.
Awe is what we feel when we encounter something vast and majestic—something that lifts us beyond ourselves. It breaks through the mundane and invites us to see with new eyes. These moments don’t always need grand events; sometimes, they come from simply walking among flowers designed to bloom for strangers who will never know their names.
We all need moments like these. They quiet our spirits and expand our hearts.
Awe-inspiring experiences can enrich every part of our lives—from better health to more open relationships. They make us quicker to offer help, more willing to share, and less focused on recognition or reward. There is something about awe that re-centers us—drawing us out of isolation and back toward connection and hope.
It humbles us and uplifts us all at once.
The good news is that awe isn’t rare. This world is overflowing with it. Whether it’s the hush of a morning walk, the sky igniting at sunset, or the bloom of a flower you didn’t expect to find—there is always more waiting.
So take the walk. Pause to look. Inhale the fragrance of the roses. Let your breath catch. And remember: life may be bigger, grander, and more filled with awe than you ever imagined.
Have you had a moment of awe lately?
Maybe during a walk, a sunrise, a quiet time of prayer—or something unexpected?
Leave a comment and share your moment of awe. Let’s encourage one another to keep noticing the beauty.
