Experiencing Wonder

When was the last time you were surprised; so astonished by an event that all you could do was stand in rapt attention with your mouth open and your eyes glued to the sights and sounds before you? What was the miracle you witnessed, the unexpected occurrence, or the spectacular beauty that took your breath away? Have you become so jaded in your leadership role that wonders are simply a distant memory?

Christmas eve seems a fitting time to remind ourselves that wonder is all around us. If we are paying attention we will see it in the large and small details of our too busy lives. Reconnecting with wonder could equip us to be more effective and efficient as leaders, far beyond anything we have previously known or anticipated. A healthy and daily dose of wonder might be just the prescription to energize your leadership in 2008.

This weekend my family traveled to central Pennsylvania on two separate occasions for very different reasons. On the initial trip we celebrated Christmas with my wife’s family, a gathering made extra special by the recent birth of the first great-grandchild. As I held this tiny human being in my arms a sense of wonder filled my spirit. More than thirty years ago the miracle of birth and awesome responsibilities of parenthood were new to me. Now those memories were back, reminding me of how vulnerable, dependent, and special we are in God’s eyes.

Our second trip took place during a raging rainstorm to visit my cousin who was badly injured this past week in a workplace accident. His body is now recovering from two broken wrists and a fractured leg that has not yet been surgically repaired. There was a sense of wonder that he was not killed by the fall and a new appreciation for the miracles of medicine that will likely help him to achieve a full recovery.

We don’t need to have a baby or experience an accident to reacquaint ourselves with wonder. There is indescribable beauty all around us every day. Miracles of life and health may grab our attention but it is small acts of love, kindness, and courage that create leadership legacies. Will you be remembered as someone who openly marveled at the unexplainable, encouraged curiosity, and celebrated life?

This holiday weekend reminded me that wonder is a gift we should treasure and preserve. Whether it is the quiet breathing of a sleeping newborn, the healing power of our human body, or the fury of a winter rain let’s stand amazed like the shepherds did more than 2000 years ago when angels proclaimed an amazing event that has changed the course of human history. The wonder of that moment prompted them to act – to go and tell what they had seen and heard. May all who read this weekly journal experience a renewed sense of wonder during this Christmas season and throughout the New Year!