let there be wonder
the welcome of hope
The shock of possibly 250 million infections in the three weeks of post-’zero-Covid’ in China is a bit hard to absorb. Repeated revelations regarding organised planning to short-circuit a democratic election still makes heads spin. Rising anti-semitism and racially-motivated murders becoming all the more common. Argentina winning the World Cup. Typhoons, volcanoes, shootings, heat waves, teeth-chattering cold, the passing of THE QUEEN, etc. etc. etc. It’s been a tough year for many to process unexpected news from seemingly everywhere around the world on an almost daily basis.
At the same time, our lives have rhythms bringing us comfort and joy. The adoption of kittens and puppies when we lose a beloved pet is a welcome step. The birth of a niece or grandchild brings smiles and hopes of continuity and growth. Planting bulbs in the autumn reminds us of the promises of spring tulips and colour.
One of the most welcome rhythms is watching a child anticipating a surprise with wonder and awe. Nothing is more comforting that those few precious years a child looks forward to the surprises of winter, whether Santa or snow, with unbridled awe.
Of course we can disparage the commercialism of the holidays, the emphasis on those who have versus the increasing number of those who do not. Those are harsh realities.
It may be unrealistically naive to return to watching awe and joy but perhaps we need more naivete in our world right now. The opportunity to share in a child’s excitement alone is something to celebrate and savour.
Wishing you and your an evening of smiles, warmth, health, joy, and awe. Taking the final lines from Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann, Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, 1927
‘…With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.’
FIN