The Shed Notebook: Help, Thanks, Wow

I continue to read books by Anne Lamott this week in anticipation of hearing her speak on Saturday. One short volume she authored entitled "Help Thanks Wow, the Three Essential Prayers" has been an inspiration this week.

What stuck with me today was the "Wow" section of the book. Lamott defines "Wow" as "not dulled by wonder. It is having one's mind blown by the mesmerizing or the miraculous: the veins in a leaf, birdsong, volcanoes."

"wow" can be lower case like the view of a lake, a sunrise, or the first tulip in spring. "Wow" is also upper case when you are in the presence of fireworks, the Northern Lights, or a classical symphony. Such a prayer to say every day in thanks to God. Wow God, you created this landscape on the Palouse. Wow God, you covered this mountain with aspens that light up in autumn . Wow God, you filled the May air with the scent of lilacs.

In response I say to you God : Help, Thanks, Wow.