Apparently, I am once again catching up on my gratitude posts. However, something felt weird in sharing a gratitude post in light of where the world was and continues to be these last couple of days. Sharing small things I was grateful for seemed so minor in light of the needs of the world. And yet, isn't this just the time to find ways to be grateful? Thankfulness for those who were first responders. Thankful for the outpouring of concern being shared by so many from everywhere.
However, our concern for France is not enough. We need to be concerned about the pain and hurting in multiple countries and communities. Beirut. Baghdad. Kenya. And we need to act.
Please know that I am not trying to minimizing what happened in Paris. There is much pain and grief and fear at the moment because what has happened. But gratitude can contribute to change. If I am focusing on being thankful and on what I appreciate, I am less likely to be focused on the negative. I am also more likely to respond positively to others, which in turn can have a positive impact on their lives and their responses. If we all begin living more compassionately and concerned about those around us but in our neighborhood and the world, things will slowly change. Here is to a future of change.
Picture Book Pick of the Day:
The Tea Party in the Woods
by Akiko Miyakoshi
Kids Can Press (August 1, 2015)
Fiction * Forest Animals * Parties
IndieBound | WorldCat
Checkout the book trailer:
This year there has been a number of picture books that have come from Canadian, European, or Asian authors and illustrators. I am thankful that we are able to access so many of these fantastic books. If you haven't seen this one, it is a bit like Little Red Riding Hood meets Alice in Wonderland. Fantastical and fun. Go pick it up and tell me what you think.