September 25, 2026

I was in New Hampshire by way of Boston this week for a little less than 48 hours, to help William with a Harvest Pack event. The trip went smoothly, the event was a success, and we got a sneak peak at fall color: leaves in New England are already turning!

One thing I keep reflecting on, though, was that on the plane flying to Boston, William and I were sitting in the middle and aisle seats, while someone else had the window. I was so surprised that not once during the entire trip, from sitting on the tarmac at MSP through landing in Boston and taxing up to the jetway there, did our row companion ever open the window. Not once! We flew over three Great Lakes: Michigan, Huron, and Ontario. On that flight path, if a person is sitting on the right side of the plane (we were!) Niagara Falls can be seen on a clear day (it was!). Not to mention all the small lakes, rivers, and farms there were to see, as well as the thrill of flying into a coastal city like Boston. He kept the window closed for all of it.

Now, to be fair, this man seemed to be working diligently on his laptop the entire flight, and I can appreciate not wanting glare on his screen. And I only fly a few times per year; perhaps he flies week in and week out, and flying has lost any wonder. (But - missing out on seeing NIAGARA FALLS from the air?!)

My prayer for all of us this week is that we never forget what a miracle it is to be alive on this amazing planet, with sparks of the Divine shining in every corner. May we marvel at the sacred gifts that show up as the colors of the sunrise and sunset, the sound of running water, the flight of butterflies, the howling of coyotes, the glow of the moon, the twinkling of stars. May we seek out every wonder we can, every chance we get. Even if it's just a tiny little peak before you go back to email.