A group of students was asked to list what they thought were the present “Seven Wonders of the World.” Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt’s Great Pyramids

2. Taj Mahal

3. Grand Canyon

4. Panama Canal

5. Empire State Building

6. St. Peter’s Basilica

7. China’s Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there are so many.”

The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.”

The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ are:

1. To see

2. To hear

3. To touch

4. To taste

5. To feel

6. To laugh

7. And to love.”

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!

True story by Joy Garrison Wasson, an English teacher in Muncie, Indiana. She taught English for 30 years. She died in 2005, she was only 62.

Being positive is the real power. We all have it.

I believe in helping even when it is not expected.

I believe in sunshine even when it is darkest.

I believe in friendship even when I am alone.