What a Wonderful World

What a Wonderful World

"I see trees of green,

red roses too.

I see them bloom,

for me and you.

And I think to myself,

what a wonderful world."

You know the song. Such an anthem of what our human lives should reflect in this world in which we live.

Let's think about friends. Hopefully, we all have a few. I'm going to paraphrase something I read this morning. What are traits of faithful friends? They are a sturdy shelter in any type of storm: tragedies and illnesses. They are life-giving medicine when you have the blues. They are a treasure that no amount of money can buy.

How can we attain some of this priceless treasure? To have a true friend is simply to be a true friend. Let me let you in on a secret: robe yourself in love. Look for Christ in the most unfathomable places like prisons, nursing homes, and deathbeds. Look in the faces of the unhappy and discontented with life and share that love you have been so graciously given. Please don't shun, but embrace those who are on the fringe of our society.

I know Ms. Alley, but what about these immigrants that don't pay taxes? Or what about all the neglected children in our public schools? Or what about those homeless people? (I hear in my head.) My answer is be-friend them and give them the love and forgiveness that is readily given to you. What did you do to deserve it? Where do your gifts come from anyway? Be careful how you answer that one.

I know you want to end madness in our world. We all know the source of that madness; it's simply hate dressed in many forms and disguises. These disguises are not new and my heart literally aches watching the media. So many are becoming pawns of hate and even embracing it. I taught American History for years. I built families in my classrooms made of tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. I so miss my classroom. Here's my epiphany I had today: the world is now my classroom. I am given a different venue. My podium is my phone in which I peck away my reflections and share them. You are now becoming to understand why I was dubbed a "nutty professor." I think one of the things my students learned best was that "Ms. Alley" genuinely loved every single one of her students. I met them where they were and helped them grow: academically and emotionally. You see judging does no good. I'm so blessed that many of those former students are becoming teachers. Hopefully, the ripple will continue. And as my new students, I challenge you to do the same.

Back to Louis Armstrong to come full circle:

"The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky,

are also on the faces of people going by.

I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do,

but they're really saying I love you.

I hear baby's cry, and I watched them grow.

They'll learn much more than I'll ever know

And I think to myself what a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world."

Will you help make this world wonderful? Be a true friend. Love the un-loveable. It is a wonderful world.