How many of us, as adults, can claim a healthy sense of wonder?

Increasingly in our society skepticism, doubt, division, anger and frustration cloud our days. Political angst and the craving for an elusive COVID-19 vaccine are at the forefront of our minds.

On this Ash Wednesday, make a personal pledge to practice WONDER for the upcoming forty days until the ultimate wonder of Easter. Take a step back and try this Bryan lesson today, this week, this month and let it become habit.

Today we took the opportunity between snowstorms to travel to Longwood Gardens. Bryan came along as his work days have been scaled back.

Walking through the Conservatory’s winding paths, I watched Bryan as he savored the wonder of nature. Cellphone at the ready, he snapped countless pictures and took a video of the indoor water wall.

What a feast for the eye – bursts of colorful blooms at every bend in the path! Combinations never found in nature co-extisting beautifully in this indoor retreat – succulents, tropical plants, orchids and spring bulbs bloomed abundantly.

Serenity and calm flowed over us as we enjoyed the water features rippling by. Bryan sat still in a chair in the sun just to listen.

The fresh scents of roses, narcissus, daffodils, lilies, orchids, and grass were overwhelming. Bryan stopped frequently to savor their heady smell, exclaiming enthusiastically as he moved along.

Let us strive to put the childlike sense of wonder back into to our lives. Even though we are now limited in our travels, find wonder in the number and variety of bird species in your backyard. Be awed by a leafless tree with a stately silhouette. Look for signs of emerging spring bulbs popping through thawing earth. Listen for the birdsong to increase each early morning at sunrise.

Re-cultivate that sense of wonder that you had as a child which Bryan innately feels. Begin today.