As I was prepping for my son’s senior studies and reading some original source documents as part of his economics curriculum, my study led me to a version of the quote in the graphic above.The sentence immediately captured my heart and sent me down the Project Gutenberg rabbit hole to uncover its origins and context.
“The world will never starve for want of wonders, but only for want of wonder.”
G.K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles
WONDER: The Punch
The truth punch of that statement stuck with me throughout the day as I finished school prep, ran errands and set up this newsletter.
I used its inspiration in a social media post, created that graphic and began this MIniMusing because Chesterton’s words enraptured and convicted me.
WONDER: The Truth
We are surrounded by countless wonders every single day. Wonders range from the rousing aromatics of brewing coffee to a sunset over a vast mountain range to the gentle touch of a lover’s hand.
And yet …
- How often do we inhale and immediately grumble about the to-do list before we acknowledge the coffee bean’s contribution?
- How often do we close the blinds to the sun’s waning rays and flip on the TV?
- How often do we take for granted a love that’s overcome, remained true, grown ever stronger for more than two decades?
- How often do we miss breathtaking wonders all around us as we huff and puff through life?
My answers to all of the above are far too often.
WONDER: The Action
The depth of Chesterton’s simple sentence has motivated me to action. I resolve to intentionally seek for wonder around me at least once a week.
Similar to my frequent focus on giving thanks each Thursday, choosing to actually see the wonder around me will give me no option but to look outside of myself and remember Who created me and the world around me. When we shift our vision out and up, we cannot help but be better family members, friends, neighbors.
When we share our thankfulness and wonder, we spread the joy, peace and comfort to others and inspire them to look outside of themselves as well. Like a pebble that triggers ripples in a small pond that feeds a stream that trickles into a river that widens and grows on its way into the ocean, one cherished piece of wonder may be felt—even if only slightly—a world away.
And when our vision shifts and positivity spreads, we gain the ability to focus only on what truly matters. Those things that truly matter will fill us, inspire us, uplift us and lead us to unexpected places.
WONDER: The Depth
As I’m a couple weeks out from this new fixation on wonder, I’ve been struck by how many details of life spark wonder within me. During a Sunday church service, I was reminded of a few gifts we usually overlook for which I have a special appreciation.
First, I’m amazed by the ability to move my fingers quickly and nimbly across keyboards—computer and piano. A few years ago, a vaccine wreaked havoc in my body and left me unsure if I’d ever type or play again.
Second, I have recently experienced the ability to breathe deeply for the first time in my adult life and the opportunity to sing a full hymn without collapsing into a hacking cough for the first time in almost two years.
Today, I can exercise my fingers and breathe, thanks to God and doctors who listen. Diet, exercise and supplements allow me to remain active and live in less pain. An inhaler and allergy medicine have not only eased my persistent cough, but have given me fuller, deeper breathing for the first time in at least thirty years. Talk about wonder!
WONDER: The Challenge
We are surrounded on a daily basis by wonders: sunsets, rainbows, kittens, acts of love and sacrifice, growth, beauty, miracles. It’s up to us to choose to see them for what they are and to thank the One from Whom we have them.
I encourage you to do one thing today: