Wonder

When I visited Christendom College a couple of summers ago, one of the professors gave the most beautiful description of wonder. He said that wonder is what one experiences when he sees part of the truth, knows that it is only a small part, and is filled with awe at the realization that there is so much more to learn. He described it as a young man seeing a beautiful young woman and realizing that there is so much more to know about her.

The desire to learn more that ensues from wonder is one of the greatest joys I have ever known. Wonder is, in a way, the delight of anticipation. Wonder is such a beautiful, exiting thing! The knowledge that there is always more to know! Just think about it! Each thing you read and learn opens the door to a new sphere. Perhaps this accounts for my love of winding roads. Where is my destination? Where will my life take me next? I have only experienced such a small part of it. There is so much before me that is hidden by the countless bends. What lies ahead? What joys lie in wait? What sorrows?

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

-J. R. R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring