Be Open To Everyday Wonders

"Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder." E. B. White, "Charlotte's Web"

To me, Wonder exists each and every day! Sometimes small, sometimes large...but always there! Just now Hope (my kitty) has crawled up in my chair and is purring away as I type. This is a small wonder as, while extremely affectionate, Hope is not one to sit and purr with me!

The other morning I was on the screen porch when all of a sudden a flock of small black birds descended on the lawn ( for a moment I thought I was in an old movie!)...in a couple of minutes they flew up in the trees...then they all took off in formation...leaving a loan robin in the tree. It was a wonder!

Seventy-two years ago on January 27th, a young woman from East Tennessee married a young man from Central Wisconsin...they married in New York City...because of thea marriage (and other serendipitous events) I was adopted by that couple and became, to my core, who I am today...one of the greatest wonders of my life!

Tonight a young friend called...she had just been to Recess for dinner - her first time- and she was Giddy over her meal...she called to thank me...maybe that phone call was more a Joy than a Wonder...but like 'a wonder"... it was "a joy"!

So, today look out for the Wonders that present themselves when we have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to accpet.

Make a Difference

"It has been said -- and proven time and again -- that wherever we are is where we can make a difference in the life of someone else. I have come to believe that our real purpose here is to make that difference. It doesn't have to be a big difference. Even a smile can change the outlook for someone we see on the street, or offering a comforting touch of the hand or arm to a friend who seems troubled.

Carl Jung used the term synchronicity to describe the "meaningful coincidences" that bring people together who are meant to share a moment in space and time. We need not worry about the orchestration -- that part has already been planned. And the outcome of the meeting is left in the hands of the Greater Power who saw reason for the meeting.

Our part is to be grateful for the "invitation" and then the willingness to do as bidden."

I received the above by e-mail...but I love it as a way to end 2009 and a Great Way to begin 2010~

We don't know the difference we can make in the life of another...

NBC Nightly News has a segment each night: "Making a Difference"...incredible stories about ordinary and not so ordinary people who have stepped from their comfort box with courage and enthusiasm to make a difference in the life of strangers with a wide ranging services to meet needs.

Each time the segment comes on I think:

"Why can't I do something really significant?"

"How do they go about getting such an organization, fund, community group started to reach out and help so many?"

"That would be wonderful, but I don't have what it takes..."

and so my mantra continues for a few minutes...in the midst of misty eyes for all the good in the world and those who carry it out...

All that being said...It is so easy for me to remember a smile, a child's laugh, a touch, a compliment from a stranger that made me feel so good...

that touched my heart...

and if I remember those small things (that were really big things) in my life, my prayer is that I have had that effect on another...that I will continue to smile, to touch, to compliment...to pass the love, compassion, the laughter that I feel in my heart, mind and soul...on to family, friends and strangers in equal kind.

With gratitude and love...and Blessings for 2010!