It Really is a Small World.

Posted by Linda J Bottjer Dec 21, 2007

How different are we?

Two weeks ago standing aside a raw, wind-whipped, rain sodden rugby pitch in Cambridge, England I realized British rugby fans are much like most American baseball fanatics. Heartily they rooted for their home team, and yet graciously acknowledged a display of athletic supremacy even from the opposing side.

In London, under terrorism threats – people pursued their pre holiday traditions. Stores, public transport, restaurants, and especially sidewalks, were crowded with a joyful humanity. Was this any different in New York, Caracas, Berlin or Tokyo? I doubt it. Life goes on.

With the shortened daylight, encompassing Reykjavik, Iceland this time of year, cozy candlelight glowed from meeting rooms and bistros and welcomed both Icelanders and foreigners into this season of love. Similar scenes can be found around much of the globe right now.

Suddenly I flashbacked to the summer of ‘64.

The World’s Fair came to New York, and Walt Disney debuted It’s a Small World and its catchy melody to all nations. It was the #1 attraction to this then seven-year old visitor. Now 43 years later – the song’s lyrics resonate with significance.

Do you remember them? Feel free to sing out loud.

It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears.

It's a world of hopes, and a world of fears.

There's so much that we share that it's time we're aware.

It's a small world after all.

So wherever you are right now – be you Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or the biggest atheist on the planet - please accept my thanks for sharing your world with mine.

Forget the naysayers.

Working together - we can still make it a better place.