Wonder

I am still spinning inside from my trip to India.  In many ways, nothing was different than previous trips.  It was more of the same.  Variation on chaos abound.  Hope shows up in unexpected places.  Whatever one thinks should be expected, is not.  Sometimes the result is less than expected (often) while on other occasions realizes she/he is seeing and experiencing a tangible miracle.
The context for my observations is two stories.  The first happened centuries ago.  As a miracles event occurred, “there were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world.  When they heard the sound, they came on the run.  Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck.  They couldn't for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, 'Aren't these all Galileans?  How come we're hearing them talk in our various mother tongues?'” (Acts 2.5-9)  Wonder abounded.  Great things were about to happen.
Last week in Manipur, I witnessed a modern day miracle.  Despite blatant corruption and greed, donated monies were spent wisely and well.  Despite opposition that was at times significant and overwhelming, the dream of a school is alive and well.  Despite the lack of organizational support, there are five school rooms that will soon find themselves filled with children.   A headmaster and a new generation of teachers have dedicated themselves to a dream.
Life is full of obstacles.  There are many reasons that you and I should not, cannot, and may not succeed.  In the midst of uncertainty, there is cause to wonder.  A God of compassion, mercy, and unending resources has committed to live in your life and mine.  A Power that can legitimately change us from the inside out is available as we say yes.  A Spirit follows, nurturing, guiding, and cheering our journey.
Today begins with wonder.  As we open ourselves up to God, we will discover God has already opened up incredible avenues of beauty and insight.  The opportunity is here, for everyone.  It is our time.