I’m sure we’ve all heard of the Seven Wonders of The World. Like many, we tend to think of the grand things that man has built by hand that really stand out in a grandiose way. But sometimes, the greatest wonders of the world are right in front of us, but we fail to see them. This little girl didn’t miss them though…
The Seven Wonders of the World
A group of American school children were asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders Of The World.” Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:
1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter’s Basilica
7. Great Wall of China
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The little girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there are so many.” The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the “Seven Wonders Of The World” are:
1. To see
2. To hear
3. To touch
4. To taste
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. To love
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous. A gentle reminder – that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.
The Takeaway
Too many times we focus on the grandiose in life and overlook the little things we take for granted each day. When was the last time you were thankful for your ability to see or hear? When was the last time that a laugh made you feel so great that you were thankful for it? Has someone shown you love that you’ve recently taken for granted?
Imagine you lost your sight, never seeing again. A world that was once full of light, color, and beauty, now filled with darkness and a need for imagination. Never being able to see your spouse’s or child’s face again. Would you agree then that “to see” is one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
Whenever you feel down, or feel like you’re lacking something you really need, remember the Seven Wonders of the World shared by this little girl. Be thankful for what you have and the little things that mean so much.