Responding with Wonderment and Awe

When did you experience your most recent “WOW” moment?  You know, when you were absolutely blown away by what was happening.  In fact, you were so pleasantly surprised it nearly took your breath away.  I can tell you when it was for me.  During the winter school break I was flicking through the channels—looking for something to watch that would be relaxing rather than stimulating.  I tuned in to the Irvine School District channel and began to watch the broadcast of its vocal and instrumental music concerts.  I can truly say I was AMAZED.  I’ve worked with youth in choruses before, but never was I able to help elementary-age youth sing in 5 part harmony.  Nor did we participate with an orchestra of peers.  The musicianship of those young people, elementary through high school was indeed impressive.  I’ve watched the show several times—and each time I feel the same way.  It reminds me of the way I felt at the end of Mr. Holland’s Opus when his past and present students unite to play his symphony.  WOW!

Young people need to understand that not only are they amazing, but they live in amazing times.  A hundred years ago no one would have thought it possible for men to walk on the moon, or to communicate almost instantly with others around the world through something called a “web,” and certainly we wouldn’t have thought that Los Angeles would have become a sprawling city.  The list goes on and on.  Have we even considered the difference between a record, a CD, and downloading from iTunes and saving music to the cloud!

We need to see the miracle of life and transformation, and we need to help youth see it as well.  Whether a caterpillar is turning into a butterfly, a tadpole into a frog, or a child transforming into an absolutely amazing adult, let’s stop, take a breath, and celebrate the world and its wonders.  This attitude of wonderment and awe can only serve to prepare us for a brighter future filled with learning and opportunities. 

On our Consult 4 Kids website each month we spotlight youth and the amazing things they think and do.  Check us out at www.consultfourkids.com and click on Student Chatter.