Magnifying the Daily Wonders Opinion

By Sarah Kahane ('25)

n a world that so often gets rushed through at warp speed, it is way too easy to overlook the small things. The grand gestures, the events that make headlines - these are the things that demand all our attention. But what happens to the little things? Those everyday moments, seemingly insignificant, are oftentimes found to be the sources of some of life’s most profound lessons. Our job is merely to recognize them. Have you ever been sitting in the grass and you look at what is crawling beneath you?Ants! Even though your sister may run away screaming, those tiny pieces of the insect world exemplify the incredible power of persistence. Each day, they embark on a mission that seems impossible given their diminutive size, carrying loads many times their own weight, back to their colony. These “insignificant” ants show that persistence is not about the magnitude of the task, but the unwavering determination to tackle it, may it be only step by step. In the face of obstacles and seemingly unconquerable challenges, looking down at these ants reminds us that with patience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, Hashem can help us achieve the most remarkable of feats, even if it may be just one grain at a time. Sunflowers, with their golden faces turned toward the sun, embody a lesson in resilience. These vibrant blooms stand tall through the harshest of conditions, whether it be the scorching summer heat, especially in Memphis, or the pounding rain storms, also in Memphis. They teach us that resilience isn’t merely about weathering through the storms of life, but also about thriving in them. Sunflowers pivot towards the light, and we too can find out inner strength to endure the challenges that Hashem is sending us. Not only that, but we can continue to grow and reach for the sunlight even in the darkest moments. These sunflowers that we pass everyday, most of the time not even noticing, stand as a symbol of hope reminding us that within every trial, lies the opportunity to emerge stronger and more radiant. Not only being a symbol of life in Jewish culture, trees embody the essence of quiet strength. Rooted deep in the earth, trees stand unchanged. The tree doesn’t always need to be loud or boastful; it can be found quietly demonstrating the patience of growth, the serenity of resilience, and the unshakable foundation hidden beneath the surface. Society changes at a rapid speed. One day everyone is listening to Justin Beiber and the next day it’s Drake. In a world that celebrates the flashy and loud, the often overlooked tree reminds us of the enduring power of inner strength, a strength that withstands the trials of life.

The tranquil, smooth surface of a pond can be disrupted with one minuscule touch. Hashem presents this gentle reminder everywhere we go. The puddle in the road, the swimming pool in our backyard. Even the smallest of our gestures have the power to create waves far beyond their immediate impact. Just a single touch of the water can send ripples across an entire pond. Kindness, compassion, patience, they can touch the lives of others in unexpected ways, even when only intended for a small purpose. However the opposite is true as well. The insignificant comments we make to our friends, or the slight roll of our eyes when someone is talking, can have immeasurable consequences. The power to change lives is in our control.

In our fast-paced world, it’s too easy to become entangled in the craziness of our daily lives, rushing past the small wonders that surround us. These intricate pieces of Hashem’s creation, from the ant’s persistence to the sunflower’s resilience, from the quiet strength of trees to the subtle ripple of a pebble, are not mere accidents, but deliberate reminders. They remind us to slow down, savor life’s simple joys, and embrace the wisdom Hashem has concealed within the small things.