During November in our part of the world, many people have the opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate “Thanksgiving”.  As with many holidays, our diverse traditions and society's commercial opportunities often overshadow the original intent.  Whether our days are filled with cooking, parades, football, shopping or other activities, we often miss the chance to dedicate time to each other and thought to the many blessings in our lives.

In preparation for our five-day break from school later this month, let's intentionally plan to show our appreciation for others by sharing the gift of ourselves with them and expressing our appreciation.  I've been reading lately about life's “little graces” and “everyday kindnesses”, the smiles, offers of help, supportive conversations, etc. that enrich our days but often go unnoticed, especially when life gets busy.  So I've been making an extra effort to slow my pace and watch for these events. 

At the Children's School, we are blessed with staff, students, parents, and children who are frequently “kind friends” to each other.  Just this morning, I saw a child leave his play to welcome another child to school, a student respond with openness to an offer for attending a conference, a parent share a laugh with a child, a teacher introduce a new activity to challenge a child to stretch, and a staff member ask for gift ideas for another staff member – all in 30 minutes.  I invite you to join me this month in noticing and appreciating.  I'd love to hear what you observe and how these little graces affect you.  Thank you for the many ways that you offer these kindnesses to us.  I'll be thinking of you on Thanksgiving.