"To think that we have at our disposal the biggest thing in the universe, and that it is language. What on can do with language is…infinite." – Helene Cixious
As regular readers of the Journal know, I am continuously fascinated by the language of small children. Vacationing in Boston, I listen to the way my six-year-old and three-year-old grandchildren see the world.
Yesterday, the six year-old wanted to see the movie "Yogi Bear." I read a review that described it as "a waste of time." When I told my grandson, he said, "That's just what adults think."
Naturally, he loved it, laughing like it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen. Beyond that, he and I had a little adventure.
The movie was far out on the edge of town. In addition to a long trip on the subway, we calculated we walked a total of about six miles in the cold. Sometimes, he rode on my shoulders. Most of the time. we just walked along as he peppered me with snowballs and a wide range of six-year-old observations:
"Why do adults argue?" he asked. I told him that adults have disagreements just like children. "But, why do they sometimes shout?" I didn't have a good answer to that one.
Amid all the language at our disposal, and with all the education many of us have had, why do we feel the need to shout? It's frustration, of course. It's the feeling we're not being heard. But, shouting makes being heard more difficult.
Frustrated patients shout their anger. Surgeons shout their displeasure. Supervisors shout commands.
Then there are those who, "walk graciously through life." This is one of John O'Donohue's phrases. I quote him often because his words are among the most eloquent I encounter.
Read O'Donohue's book, Beauty, and you will discover this. Pick a sentence at randoem. You will find how brilliantly he words difficult concepts. "When we hold beauty and truth together, truth will always have a sense of compassion and gentleness, " he writes.
I'm not sure I agree with Helene Cixious' observation that language is "the biggest thing in the universe." But, by stating the concept so boldly, she provokes us.
Language binds us – and can drive us apart. Language, through poetry and fine prose, can elevate us to transcendent experiences of beauty. Language between lovers can lift relationships to other-worldly states. Language can help heal the sick. Language can enable us to "walk graciously through life."
At the end of 2010, we speak the language of the year past and hopes for the future. I have the chance to speak gratitude to each of you for coming to this Journal where we share the language of Love.
Liz Wessel and I are grateful to each of you – especially those who choose to comment. You enrich our experience with the way you engage your particular gift of words as you express what truly is "the biggest thing in the universe – Love.
-Erie Chapman
Journal of Sacred Work 
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