Have you ever started your day thinking about all your ‘to-do’s’? I actually woke up this morning thinking about all the to-do’s on the ‘to-do’ list and then began wondering how many would make it to the ‘to-done’ list by the end of the day. I’m happy to report that I’m right on schedule to have the ‘to-do’s’ for today be ‘to-done’ within the time allotted. (Just so you know, if you can read aloud this first paragraph, 3 times in a row with no mistakes, you’ll get a virtual gold star!)
I began to wonder about a variety of things in that free association mode the brain (mine at least) does so well. As I wondered about family, friends, colleagues, clients, and work, I had an epiphany (of sorts) — totally unengineered:-) Instead of ‘wondering'(v.) about things (although being curious and inquisitive is not a bad thing), I began to think about my ‘sense of wonder’(n.).
Epiphany for today: Maintaining that ‘sense of wonder’ that is always so evident in children, is much more meaningful than the process of ‘wondering’. A ‘sense of wonder’ allows one to be both delighted and surprised by the ordinary or by many of the things we often take for granted: a beautiful sunset (yes, I still miss the ones that can only be seen in Hawaii nei); rainbows (God’s promise for a new tomorrow); the first spring leaves seen on the trees that have been bare all winter long (you can tell I don’t live in Hawaii any more); a new piece of technology (hardware, software, app . . . need I go on?); a mom who continued to be alive, well and active despite battling congestive heart failure and post-polio syndrome until she was 101; opening an unexpected present that may not be expensive or even sparkle, but required thought and sensitivity; connecting with friends around the planet; having the opportunity to do work I love with people that matter . . . well, you get the idea. A ‘sense of wonder’ provides joy throughout every day.
In my opinion, in the time of COVID-19 we could all do with a ‘sense of wonder’ in our lives on a regular basis. What gives you pause when you awaken in the morning? What do you remember or appreciate because you hear a specific song, see a funny sign, or look at something you see often, and see it from a different angle or perspective? How would having one of two of those ‘sense of wonder’ moments every day actually affect how you think or treat others?
I believe that a ‘sense of wonder’ can bring great JOY wherever I am, whoever I’m with, and has the potential to change my thinking and my influence. I’m going to nurture my ‘sense of wonder’. What will you do? How might you change your day and your influence?
