Making Miracles Daily

We gaze continually at the world and it grows dull in our perceptions. Yet seen from another's vantage point, as if new, it may still take the breath away.
(Alan Moore, Watchmen)

This one is spoken by Dr. Manhattan, one of the protagonists of the graphic novel called Watchmen, which was on Time Magazine's list of the 100 best novels since 1923, for those of you who might consider graphic novels kids stuff. In the book, Dr. Manhattan is a young scientist transformed, by a nuclear experiment, into a being of incredible, almost god-like power. Due to his heightened intelligence and understanding of the atomic structure of the universe, he becomes jaded and unimpressed by human life, with its predictable routines, petty conflicts, etc.

But later in the novel, Dr. Manhattan has a realization. He thinks about the miracle that produces human life, and the thousands of factors and nuances and subtle variations that make each human being a distinct individual. He is convinced that humanity is miraculous, if you pause long enough, look closely enough, and give yourself the chance to marvel at what's around you.

What have I marveled at lately? The fact that I'm alive after rafting the Ottawa river this weekend! Oh, and the ByWard Market in Ottawa... that's some good eatin'.