Have you ever rushed past something extraordinary without noticing? That's exactly what happened when Joshua Bell, one of the world's greatest violinists, played his $3.5 million Stradivarius in a Washington DC metro station during rush hour. Out of 1,100 commuters, only six stopped to listen. The children noticed—they tried to stop—but parents hurried them along, focused on schedules and destinations rather than the masterful performance unfolding before them.
This fascinating social experiment raises profound questions about our perception. If we can't pause to appreciate world-class music when it's right in front of us, what else are we missing? Today, I challenge you to make a choice: look for and listen to the beautiful things around you. Take a walk somewhere you can appreciate nature. Visit your favorite place—that spot where you experience those "aha" moments of wonder and gratitude. In slowing down and noticing, we connect not just with the world around us but with its Creator. Join me each weekday morning for five minutes that will help you start your day right, with perspective and purpose. What beauty will you notice today?
