Never Too Young

 I was talking to first graders one morning.  We talking about becoming your best self.  Now, getting an “A” or “100%” or “Excellent” on your work might make you feel you are at your best.  I told them about the St. Francis Prayer.  They are taught to memorize the “Our Father” and “Hail Mary,” but not the St. Francis Prayer.  So I quoted a few lines and said that getting a good grade on spelling and reading was only part of becoming your best self.  It uses the head, but the St. Francis Prayer uses the heart.  We become our best when we are concerned about another person and what they need.  Our behavior affects those around us.  If they are sad, do we ignore them or try to bring them some joy.  Maybe just listening can bring joy to another person.  I am not sure any one was paying attention.  Keeps me humble.