Out of the Mouths of Babes

In the sense that a miracle evokes wonder and awe and that miracle stories abound in every religion, culture, and language, miracles are a universal language we can all understand.
-The Miracle Collectors

Phew, it is hot! This summer we can all relate to the soaring temperatures that are affecting people across the globe. Like the heat, there are other universals in life - miracles for instance. And as Joan recently learned there is also a universal language that exists in infants and their caregivers no matter where in the world they live. It's yet another example of how we are connected to each other and as G.K. Chesterton said we "owe each other a terrible loyalty."

A recent study investigating language found that the tones and inflections of infants are comparable across the globe and likewise adults also communicate in similar tones and inflections when speaking with infants. The lilt, the cadence, and the gentleness are universal. Further, the lullabies we sing all reflect similarities in the adjustment of our voices no matter where in the world we live. Personally I think that is very cool.

The universality of this finding got me thinking - after all, we often say miracles are a universal language. I wonder if perhaps the awe that new life inspires is just an extreme example of the miraculous and we react the same way: with compassion, with tenderness, and with appreciation. I believe that's what miracles call us to do as well: to be compassionate to each other, to listen fully without judgment, to be in the moment or in the trenches with someone who needs our help, and to appreciate not only the wonder that surrounds us in the physical world, but the wonder that is within each of us as human beings.

All too often when we look at others we focus on our differences, and when we look at ourselves we see our shortcomings or hold onto regret over the choices we've made, many of which separate us from one another. (I also just learned that the third Saturday in July is dedicated to the would-haves and could-haves in our lives and gives us permission to toss them away - it's been a big month for esoteric information!) Sometimes it is hard to remember that regardless of our imperfections or our disparities each of us is valuable in our own way. We are unique with special gifts to offer the world. And yet, in spite of all of these differences the 7.8 billion of us on this planet sing to babies in the same way! I love this reminder that we share much more than the world we live in with each other. As G.K. Chesterton wrote, "We men and women are all in the same boat, in a stormy sea, and owe each other a terrible loyalty."

Perhaps this summer as we take a brief moment of respite from our over-programmed lives, it is time to go back to basics and to moderate our voices and our hearts so as to be open to one another. Perhaps like lullabies, it is time to sing the same song - a song of peace and patience and understanding. Now that would be a true miracle! (Joan)