First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the current Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes:

1. Egypt's great pyramids
2. The Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. The Great Wall of China

While counting up the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in his paper yet, so she asked the child if he was having trouble with his list. "Yes, he replied, "a little. I can't quite make up my mind because there are so many. The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have and maybe we can help." He hesitated, then read his list. Here were his Seven Wonders of the World:

1. to touch
2. to taste
3. to see
4. to hear
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. and to love

I like the second list better than the first. Although I love to travel and see and experience the riches this world has to offer, I find more wonder in the touch of a loved

one's hand, or the giggle of child, or the warmth of love, or anything my senses can register than in anything I could capture in a snapshot.

So as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I sat down and made my own list of wonders. I could list lots more (and I'm not sure why any list of wonders is limited to seven), but here are the Seven Wonders of My World:

1. Being greeted by my wife at the end of the day with a smile and a kiss.
2. Listening to my children and stepchildren and wondering "Where did these mature, articulate, well-adjusted adults come from?"
3. Laughing at one of your jokes or hearing you laugh at one of mine.
4. Doing work I enjoy so much I sometimes feel guilty getting paid for it.
5. Feeling a lump in my throat when your presence around me overwhelms my heart during worship.
6. Looking back over the pain of my life and being able to say, "By God's grace I've survived."
7. Living a way of life that's more important than how I happen to feel about it on any given day.

As Thanksgiving approaches, ask yourself what you would include on your list. There are wonders all around you each day, and your ticket to see them is gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving!