A grandmother of mine often smiled over the mannerism of one of her friends. As the friend vividly related the frequent misadventures of her life, she would sum up the narrative with aint it awful? It seemed that by some perverse law, the more of these tales she recounted, the more of them she had to tell. And of course, she daily found proof that her condition was truly awful. These days, those who profess to know, tell us that we pour energy into those things that we concentrate on. Unwittingly, the poor lady guaranteed herself an endless supply of calamity.

As I watch the evening news on television, it is easy to think of my grandmothers friend. Apparently the Aint it awful mindset has been embraced enthusiastically by that medium. As they diligently search the world for one more disaster, one more horrific example of suffering and catastrophe, I half expect the anchor-person to shake his/her carefully coiffured head and sadly remark, aint it awful! Then of course, they break for a commercial and my more cynical nature reminds me that misfortune sells. Could it be that somewhere in this scenario, a bean-counter is rubbing his hands in satisfaction?

Now, you know that Im a glass half full kind of guy, so lets see if we can turn this depressing discourse around. When we look out on the world and cry aint it awful maybe we could shift our viewpoint just a bit. Some latter day philosopher said When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. There have always been natural and man-made disasters and there will certainly always be events which cause grief and pain. But, in the midst of calamity, there have always been heroes and people rising up to be greater than they ever thought they could become. We can search out and discover these moments of human nobility that make us say with sincerity, Aint it awe-full.

Although cleverly concealed by the evening news, this is an awe-full world. This feeling of awe, of breathtaking wonderment, is an emotion which could provide some much needed nourishment to this distressed and tormented old world. In committee work, it is often said No one can do everything, everyone can do something. Maybe just maybe, saving the world is like that. If we can see the world with new eyes and pass our vision on, we can each one become awe-inspiring and awe-inspired. Who knows where this fresh vision could lead us? Maybe grandmothers friend was right, after all. OK, all together now, lets all say Aint it awe-full!

About the Author:
Kevin MacAskill works at home in British Columbia, Canada, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. This prompts him to reflect on life and the human condition. You may use this essay in an ethical manner, providing this resource box is included.

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