A group of students were asked to list the Seven Wonders of the World (not necessarily the Seven Ancient Wonders just the Seven Wonders as they thought of them).  Though there was some disagreement, the following seven got the most votes:

• 1 the Great Pyramids in Egypt
• 2 the Taj Mahal
• 3 the Grand Canyon
• 4 the Panama Canal
• 5 the Empire State Building
• 6 the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome; and
• 7 the Great Wall of China

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn’t turned in her paper.  So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.  The girl replied, ‘Yes, a little.  I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were 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 touch
• 2 to taste
• 3 to see
• 4 to hear

She hesitated a little, and then added:

• 5 to feel
• 6 to laugh; and….
• 7 to love

The room was so full of silence you could have heard a pin drop.  Those things we overlook as simple and ‘ordinary’ are truly wondrous.  A gentle reminder that the most precious things are usually right in front of you.  Your family, your friends, your love, your good health!

Sometimes it is simple exercises and stories like these that remind us of the important things in life and that it is wise to stop and smell the roses from time to time.

Peace to each of you!