WONDERS
A friend sent me the story of students arguing over the present seven wonders of the world. Answers included the pyramids, the taj mahal, the Panama Canal and others. One student had some trouble, because she saw so many wonders. Her list included the senses of touch, sight, hearing, tasting and finished with laughter and love. If asked to discuss the same topic before I read the story I wouldn't have thought of these answers but I enthusiastically agree with them, especially the last two. The gifts of laughter and love are truly wonders, timeless wonders, wonders that I'm sure were equally important at the time of the ancient wonders of the world. What a bright student, to have looked at the subject in this way.
When I think of students I enjoy being around, indeed people in general I like to be with, I think of those who interpret questions in the broadest sense possible, who look for thoughtful and interesting answers, answers that truly enlighten. I think of people who enjoy important things, who look beyond the obvious, who find wonders in their own backyard, in their own lives. It's truly a wonderful thing that a young person could think of these timeless wonders in response to the question. But it's even more wonderful that we can hear her answers, and join her in thinking about the beauty of love and laughter.
This past weekend, a young friend of mine became a man in the eyes of his religion. I was privileged to speak in his honor and I said that two of his best qualities were his love of family, friends, home and community and his good nature and sense of fun, his ability to smile and laugh in the face of good and bad things. I urged him to preserve these qualities as he aged and expanded his horizons. If he can bring these qualities to the serious issues of a lifetime, if he can keep love from turning sour, if he can smile when others would scowl, if he can preserve his good humor in the face of anger and petulance, if he can recognize that serious does not mean grim, he will live a better life and improve the lives of everyone he meets. I expect great things from him. He truly embodies the spirit of the student looking at the wonder of love and laughter and if he can preserve that spirit, the great things will be even greater.
It's a wonderful thing to meet someone like my friend. It's a wonderful thing to hear of the student who listed laughter and love as wonders. It would be silly, indeed churlish, of us to ignore these wonders. So love and laugh. We'll all be better off.
6-24-02
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