A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things, but cannot receive great ones. -Lord Chesterfield
Our universe is a big place, and we are really just ants. If we are fixated on our own little anthill, we miss out on a lot of wisdom and beauty.
Curiosity is such a powerful vehicle for self-discovery. “I wonder why…” and its cousin “I wonder if…” are keys to unlocking a greater world, but if we focus on tiny things, we don’t see the greater things.
I used to be beautiful, brilliant and infallible. Then I turned six. What a shock it was to learn that I was neither the centre of the universe, nor that my vivid elucidation was of value to the masses. Poor Mrs. McClure, my grade one teacher, caused me great trauma by expecting me to work quietly and to let others speak occasionally.
Perhaps I didn’t learn her lessons quite well enough, because if I did, I wouldn’t be blogging to the world, would I? It doesn’t take much to set me pondering, but since I know there are those out there who enjoy my take on the world, I’ll keep sharing. I am not sure if I’m magnifying trifles or receiving great things. Hopefully the trifles I consider will be worthy of magnification, and the great things will be explored with integrity..
Stopping on a walk to savour the scent of a rose or a pear blossom, to rescue a caterpillar, or to whistle with a bird is definitely magnifying trifles. These are small things, but they are also great joys.
What are the great things? The wisdom of great men and women from throughout time. The kindness of a welcome heart and home. The birth of a child. The strength shown against terminal illness. Greatness is found in unexpected places outside our anthill and within it. The trick is recognizing it when it appears.
Shawn L. Bird 