Opening to the Spirit
Today’s word: WOW!
1
) When is the last time that something made you say “Wow”? A few days ago, on a pastoral visit, I witnessed a group of six trumpeter swans swimming along the shore of the St. Lawrence River. A thaw had opened a passage of open water in which the swans were so gracefully swimming. Then, one by one, they pulled themselves up on the icy bank and stretched out their wings. The parishioner I was visiting described how she gets to witness their mating dances in the spring. “It is just like Swan Lake” she said, and we both went on to marvel that the ballet was based on this real thing with such accuracy. She could not say which she had enjoyed more, but both of them made her say “Wow”.
I am sad that “Wow” is now so often said in irony. When someone does something we think is wrong or stupid or outstandingly bad, sometimes the response is “Wow”, said not with joyful amazement, but with contempt and judgment.
Let us reclaim “Wow” in it’s childlike simplicity. Let’s look around at the beauty of the world and the accomplishments of people and utter this one simple word of praise. When the first crocus rises through the snow in a couple of months: Wow! When we take the time to notice a sunrise or sunset: Wow! When we look around at each other and see how beautiful we are and witness the beauty we can create: Wow! And, if by chance, we get to see a swan, or a bear, or just our own furry pet snuggled up by our side, let us take time to thank the Creator. Wow is probably all we need to say.
2
) Wow is a wonderful word to use when we want to express exhuberance and joy. It may not be eloquent or sophisticated, but some experiences stretch past our ability to describe and leave us speechless. In those instances ‘wow’ conveys a sense of being awe-struck combined with just a touch of humility. The stillness of the lake that evening at camp last summer – wow! The overwhelming feeling of holding my newborn baby in my arms for the first time – wow! The setting sun out my back window this evening – wow! This week’s demonstration of care and concern for the victims of last year’s massacre at the Quebec City mosque – wow! Albert Einstein famously said there are only two ways to look at life. We can look at it all as absolutely predictable and ordinary. Or we can welcome every event of the day as though it was a miracle, a ‘wow’ moment. To be born at this time, in this place is such a privilege. To have the opportunity to contribute to the human project to better the life of those around me, in whatever small way possible, to expand my mind, and strengthen my body and enrich my soul by an earthly experience: all these things I receive as precious gifts. When I think about it deeply, it’s enough to turn all my words into ‘wow’s.
3
) Once as a young voice student I was standing on stage during a performance of Fiddler on the Roof with the chorus, singing "Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles…" Right in the middle of those lyrics it struck me that ~ wow! It can't get much better than this - being here, part of the scene, lights flashing, colourful costumes, a full orchestra, and my own just one voice among the many. I was lifted up to a place at once both ordinary and special, whirling in the dance, swept up in the happy crowd. It occurred to me then, as now, that wow could be an acronym for "wonder of wonders."
Or sometimes it can mean "with-out words." I stop speechless, breath held in the half-open door, as the slender blue heron who occasionally graces our back pond lifts with a sudden whoosh on spindly legs, spreading its powerful wings and glides out of sight. It happens in the art gallery when with astonishment I am suddenly aware of the creative genius of an artist friend. Listening to music provides countless wow moments. Just recently I sat captive and awestruck as a young Chinese girl on video - before an audience of millions played Bach with such ease and grace, the notes just fell from her fingers.
Wow is different for everyone. My partner finds it's not the arts so much as sports. Amazing feats - sometimes in the very last seconds of a game - esp., he said, whenever his home team back in Britain actually wins a game.
It can even happen on a regular Sunday morning. A few years ago we hosted a workshop for service leaders at our church called, "The WOW of Worship." We explored the essence of ritual and how to create that one pivotal moment again, perhaps different for everyone present - that strikes the spirit and rings us like a bell. It may be an insight, a flash of intuition, or a piece of the puzzle that suddenly, silently slips into place to create a whole.
What blows you away, transports you to realms of incredulity? Whatever your "wow" moments, wherever you find them, I wish you many. Best of all, they cost nothing but a willingness to be inspired with wonder and awe.
4
) As I write, people are preparing for a Super Blue Moon Eclipse on Wednesday night. This rare occurrence will be seen better in some other locations but I hope to catch a glimpse of the blue moon that night. WOW!
I have memories of putting out lawn chairs on my front lawn, waking up my kids, and watching an awesome night of shooting stars around 2:30 am. WOW! Once years ago I was on a trip across Canada. I slept out one night on the outskirts of an Alberta town and awoke to see the most graceful antelope leaping over hedges with amazing dexterity. WOW !
Of course, not all my Wow moments have taken place in the world of nature. As a teenager I travelled to a missionary conference on a university campus in the States. One of my favourite Christian authors at the time, Rev. John Stott, led a communion service in the gymnasium with over 15,000 students in attendance. When I remember singing a favourite song all I can do is say WOW!
I was sitting at the back of our congregation a few years ago. The guest preacher finished the children's story and sent the children off to Sunday school. A six year old said, "Wait! We haven't said a prayer." (I usually do an echo prayer with them.) When she said there wouldn't be one that day, he boldly led one himself. Dear God, he began, and the rest of the kids echoed him perfectly. WOW!
One of my favourite writers about spirituality is Annie Lamott. She wrote a book entitled “Help, Thanks, Wow”, where she describes three basic types of prayer. We are used to prayers of gratitude and prayers where we ask for something from God. We all have our “Wow” moments. . I wonder how often we use the “Wow” prayer.
One word, four voices - now it's your turn to reflect: What makes you want to say WOW?
Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Waterville & North Hatley pastoral charge; Rev. Lynn Dillabough is now Rector of St. Paul's in Brockville ON. She continues to write for this column as a dedicated colleague with the Eastern Townships clergy writing team; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco is Consulting Minister to UU Estrie-unitarian Universalists in North Hatley.