There will be no “letters to Tom” this week just meditations, because I am with Tom and Casey enjoying Edisto Island. I will try to personaly download Tom’s insights and pick up the letters next week.
My daughter suggested that I read a book titled A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. I have already read it on my trip. One of the characters was asked what was his key to living “such a good story.” The character, Bob, was uncomfortable with the idea that he was something special. But he wanted to answer the question. So he thought about it and said he said he didn’t think we should be afraid to embrace whimsy. When asked to elaborate he struggled to define it, but said that he always had a nagging idea that life could be magical; it could be special if we were willing to take a few risks.
Well this part of the book struck me. Perhaps because I am a strong believer that each of us has to ability to create magic in our lives. We also have the ability to bring magic to others and the world. Yet, I struggle with how to bring it about. My usual mode of operation is as a person who reacts to something rather than initiating. But there is this character, Bob, who in the book has created magic for his family and the world saying “ take a few risks.” But just as importantly introducing a new element to the equation – whimsy. The word invokes images of a “twinkle in one’s eyes” or “impish grin on a face.” I feel as if I finally found that missing ingredient to my Grandmother’s pie dough. I just needed to add a little whimsy to the recipe and magic is created.
So on this first Monday of my time on the beach, I feel my burdens are a little lighter. What magic can you make to your day if you add a little whimsy to it?
Hi Webb, I love the concept of whimsy and enjoyed this post. I find that I often encourage Lila or the boys on my baseball team to act on ideas we would define as “whimsy”, but doing so myself makes me feel like I’m out of my comfort zone. I often forget that being out my comfort zone is the point (not to mention much more fun).
Thanks Jeremy, that means a lot to me. Webb