Sense of Wonder

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find resources of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. ~Rachel Carson

In searching for quotes online, I frequently have found myself contemplating a lovely one and noticing the name Rachel Carson. I was finally curious enough to research her name and find out who she was.

My research led me to purchase the book The Sense of Wonder. The content is an essay originally entitled "Help Your Child to Wonder" and first published in 1956. Carson later intended to expand the essay into book length but was unable to accomplish this before her death. The Sense of Wonder was published posthumously in 1965 without changes to the original content. The book I purchased was published in 1998 and is illuminated with beautiful nature photography by Nick Kelsh.

The essay itself is simply beautiful. It holds both inspiration and practical advice on sharing the wonders of nature with children. I found myself wanting to share quote after quote with you. It is almost impossible to choose just a couple.

Kelsh's photography is gorgeous. Levi and I poured over the pages of pictures.

For those parents and educators interested in Charlotte Mason concepts, I highly recommend this book as a living book both for children and adults. I was continually reminded of Charlotte Mason's ideas of children and nature as I read the words of Rachel Carson.

I feel the repeated urging, tugging of the heart strings, to let my boys outside. To seek out beautiful details in nature. To marvel at God's incredible artwork. To wander. To explore. To play. To feel.

If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. ~Rachel Carson
A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. ~Rachel Carson

If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantments of later years, the sterile preoccupation with things that are artificial, the alienation from the sources of our strength. ~ Rachel Carson

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. ~Rachel Carson