Sometimes we get so caught up in our to-do lists that we deny ourselves the opportunity to experience awe. And believe me, I’m as guilty as anyone. But there is one memory I cherish from raising my children that sticks with me to this day. It reminds me of the joy that can be found by sharing an experience that evokes awe in someone else.
I had taken my three-year-old daughter to the library and had spent (at least as far as I was concerned) more than enough time debating which Disney princess books to check out. By the time we were in the car and heading home, my mind was spinning with all the other tasks I needed to finish for the day. Then she yelled out from the back seat, “Mommy, look! Maybe they are going to the library, too!”
There, out the window, was a mother duck and her five ducklings, marching behind her on their way to our local pond. I pulled over and stopped the car. We got out and watched the ducklings as they jumped into the pond and dutifully trailed their mother. My daughter was enraptured by the image of this animal family, and I could not help but find myself awed by her wonder.
I get the same feeling today when I invite women to join me at our property in Indian Point, Maine. I cannot help but savor their wonder as they marvel at the pitch-black night skies where it often seems you can see every star in the universe.