an increasing fascination/ wonder at nature

I know what you mean! The more you learn about the natural world the more stunning it is. Even the smallest biological thing is so complex it's hard to believe it can function. I've never been able to believe in Biblical miracles, but I certainly understand people of any age being gobsmacked by the miracle of life or mesmerized by the miracles of physics or the other sciences. We are very lucky to live in a time when not only is science so advanced but so much high-quality science writing is available.