Welcome Autumn
Catch a glimpse of leaves turning golden.
Stroll down a less traveled path.
Inhale the scent of a new season.
Remember this amazing autumn day!!
Tiny Faces
Twenty-four tiny faces stared at me on their first day of Kindergarten. I wasn’t their teacher – just someone volunteering who hoped to bring positive thoughts to little minds. In spotting tears streaming down a small boy’s cheeks, I faced my first challenge. How thankful I was that a drink of water cured what was on his mind – “My Mom is missing me” he said.
Spending only one morning each week in the classroom makes it difficult to immediately form meaningful connections. I knew from previous years that it was often the last weeks of class when that happened. However, after just three weeks, as I passed by the kids enjoying their recess, I recognized a girl with big red bows yelling from her swing — “I’ll miss you.” A memorable moment.…
Read more
A Bowl of Bananas
During a mission trip to Guatemala, my husband was a member of a team that built a school in a remote area. The local community was incredibly grateful for their efforts. Although she didn’t have any money, an elderly woman presented a bowl of bananas—grown in her own garden—as a heartfelt gift of thanks to the group’s leader.
How will you thank someone today?
As On Our Way We Go
The poem titled “Sharing” or “As On Our Way We Go” by Georgy explores the simple act of companionship and support, suggesting that even when one cannot fix a situation, they can offer their presence and share in someone’s experience.
Sharing
There isn’t much that I can do, but I can share my bread with you, and sometimes share a sorrow , too – as on our way we go.
There isn’t much that I can do, but I can share my flowers with you, and I can share my books with you and sometimes share your burdens, too – as on our way we go.
There isn’t much that I can do, but I can share my songs with you, and I can share my mirth with you, and sometimes come and laugh with you – as on our way we go.
There isn’t much that I can do, …
Read more
Be Kind To HumanKind Week
August 25-31 is a week-long opportunity to perform acts of kindness and compassion and to inspire others to do the same. In 1988, Lorraine Jara, a teacher and humanitarian, founded Be Kind to Humankind Week. Lorraine believed in the transformative power of kindness and wanted to create an opportunity for people everywhere to focus on acts of kindness and generosity.
Here are a few ways you can make a positive impact:
- Touch a Heart
Tell a family member or friend that you are glad to have them in your life. - Practice Patience
Slow down your pace so you can hold a door open for someone slowly approaching. - Lend a Hand or an Ear
Offer to run an errand for a neighbor or take time to ask someone about their week, and really listen and compliment them on something they’ve done. - Be Thoughtful
Leave a post-it-note on someone’s desk or
Read more
Happy National Pickleball Day!
National Pickleball Day is celebrated each year on August 8th. It is dedicated to celebrating the sport and its growing community. My husband and I now begin most mornings playing pickleball. We were fortunate to find nearby courts and some folks willing to show us the basics. After that, we became hooked on this popular sport.
We’ve seen many examples of kindness on the pickleball court. While playing doubles with people we had never met, I’ve observed the great number of positive comments, even when a ball goes far from where it was intended. And when winning a challenging volley, the accolades make you feel like you won a million dollars. It’s also about people sharing a kind word to opponents. That’s what makes the game fun, and the world just a little bit better place to be.
Popsicles
Some call it a sweltering summer day. I like to call it a scattering kindness opportunity!
What kid, of any age, doesn’t smile with their first lick of a frozen popsicle on a very hot day. You have a chance to make that happen by simply picking up a box or two of popsicles, and then search for a nearby shelter to drop them off. Hint — shelters are everywhere.
You’ll feel cooler just imagining the taste of summer you scattered. Do it today!…
Read more
During Challenging Days
We’ve had some very challenging days in our country and our world recently. Good to keep this image in mind.
… 
Small Stones
“Remember, you are not asked to save the world or even a single creature. You are asked to listen and to hear what you are called to do, great or small. There are small stones that hold the great ones in place” (Steve Garnaas-Holmes)
“There But For Fortune May Go You Or I”
When we see someone struggling in a wheelchair or notice a tear-streaked cheek, might it be wise to remember the song “There but for fortune may go you or I.” Frequently performed by Joan Baez, it reflects on the thin line between different life outcomes.
Our current situation could easily change due to luck or circumstance. Anyone could find themselves destitute when least expected. Thinking about the randomness of life can encourage compassion towards those who may not have our good fortune.
Always be thankful, generous & kind.…
Read more