“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.”

-George Carlin

Comics can be rabbis too, and humor can carry great teachings. This missive from the late great George Carlin is one of my favorites. It reminds us to spend more time in wonder and awe (the word awe is related to the word awareness); to re-member ( as in putting the pieces together) who we are and what we are part of.

The Psalmist sang, “Ma Gadlu ma’asecha Yah, Meod amku mach’she’votekha. How great are your works Yah! How deep are your thoughts!” We can fill ourselves with awe if we just  take a moment to drink in the wonder around us, whether we are at the edge of the Grand Canyon or looking at the intricate structure of a cut flower on our table. The natural world (which we are part of, not separate from), holds amazement before us always. Even the face of the person passing by us is a wonder greater than the moon and stars if we really see what we are looking at.

So take a little break right now, and look around until you find something that fills you with awe. Awe-Full. Quite a different meaning than what we usually settle for, yes?

What fills you with awe and takes your breath away today?

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George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social criticand author. Carlin was noted for his black comedy and his thoughts on politics, the English language, psychology, religion, and various taboo subjects.

Joe Laur is a father, husband, naturalist, executive, consultant, and a lowly rabbinic student. He can be reached at joe.laur@godsdog.net.