… a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
Reading this definition for “wonder” brought an entire catalog of memories to the forefront of my brain. I have moments of wonder daily in my life: looking at an orchid plant and finding myself surprised by the unique beauty in each petal; hearing a bird outside my voice studio join in a song melody resonating from my student inside the room; or sitting in awe of my voice student who is challenged by a disability but has absolutely no challenges as she sings with confidence in her gifting of perfect pitch. These things are simply an unexpected wonder to me!
What do you consider a wonder? In your view of the world, are there things that surprise you when you least expect it? Perhaps the smell of your newborn’s tiny neck, or the fact that the sight of an historic building freezes your steps on the street, or the way the touch from your furry companion melts away every stressful moment in your day – do these things add to your sense of wonder in the world? I live with an amazing sense of God’s creation and giftings every day.
When I prepared to write this blog post to you today, I was struck by the beauty of a children’s book I had received from the author, Laura Wifler, months ago. She was so kind to include me in her advanced marketing of A World Wonder, and even sent me a lovely puzzle to complete along with her stunning book. Her writing was familiar to me as I had reviewed Like Me in a previous blog post. I was delighted when I had the time to finish the puzzle and book review today.
In A World Wonder, I found a story of discovery by the main character, Cora, searching the world for wonders. Cora challenges herself to see the world through lenses of what she might consider to be special. I found this entire book, and especially the final pages, to be wonderfully unexpected and fun to consider. Janna Mattia’s delightful illustrations captured my eyes and imagination, as well!
This children’s book will make a beautiful addition to any home library. Now is the time to start making those holiday lists! You know my trees and new holiday music selections are already filling our home with joy. (No judgment!) Make your gift list for a few tiny tots and please include this special book on your list.
Enjoy the wonder all around you this holiday season!
Listening Library: Winter Wonderland (Laufey)
Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight
Walking in a winter wonderland
Gone away is the bluebird
Here to stay is the new bird
To sing a love song while we stroll along
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?" We'll say, "No man"
But you can do the job when you're in town
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid, the plans that we made
Walking in a winter wonderland
In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say, "Are you married?" We'll say, "No man"
But you can do the job when you're in town
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid the plans that we made
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
Walking in a winter wonderland
Songwriters: Felix Bernard / Richard B. Smith
Winter Wonderland lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd, Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
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