Jesus wanted the children to come to Him!

 I’ve heard a lot of sermons (homilies) in my life. A handful are still with me. And one or two made me very glad—grateful—to be alive.

Gratitude does that for every one of us. It brings you back to what is real, and to what really matters. It brings you back to the people and moments that remind you why you are here.

And this past week, I read a “speech” given to children (5-year-olds) at their pre-K graduation. Maria Shriver had attended her granddaughter’s graduation ceremony. She writes, “These children were full of hope, full of joy, full of friendship. They reminded the adults sitting in that yard what really matters in life.”
The speaker was teacher, Oscar Casillas.
And the speech? Well, it is for every one of us to take to heart.

“When you walked into our classroom last September, some of you were a little nervous. Some held your parents' hands extra tight. Now look at you, walking tall and proud.
This year, we didn't just learn letters and numbers. We learned how to be amazing people. Let's celebrate everything you accomplished together:
You learned to take responsibility for your actions, your belongings, and your work. When something went wrong, you stepped up and said, ‘That was me.’ That takes courage.
You practiced compromise—finding ways for everyone to be happy. You used your words instead of letting small problems become big ones. You learned to calm your body and mind and to ask for what you needed with kind, strong voices.
You grew in compassion. You realized every friend in our class is working on something, just like you. You took turns, waited patiently, listened when others spoke, and cheered for your classmates.
You became bucket fillers, not bucket dippers. You learned to include others and understood that whispering in someone's ear can make others feel left out.
You learned to let loose and have fun! Our dance parties reminded us how wonderful it is to move, laugh, and celebrate together. You used your imagination, turned ideas into creations, organized games, tried brand-new things, and found your big voices. You stood in front of your friends and spoke with confidence—and that is something to be very proud of.
You became mathematicians with clever strategies of your own. You asked thoughtful questions. Some of you started reading; others learned to spell or tried brave spelling. You learned to persevere because you now know that mistakes are okay and that failing is part of learning and growing. You embraced challenges because you discovered they are secret gifts that help us become better.
Most importantly, you learned that we are all in this together.
My dear graduates, you are now kinder, braver, smarter, and more confident than when you first walked through our gate. These lessons will travel with you into your new school and far beyond.
So as you move on to new adventures, remember:
Be responsible.
Be kind.
Have fun.
Use your words and your big voice.
Keep asking questions and never stop being curious.
Fill buckets every chance you get.
And always, always be yourself.”
(Thank you, Oscar Casillas)

“Gratefulness is not a feeling; it is a practice.” Rabbi Shefa Gold

Sabbath Moments