Thanks

On the last day of school before the Thanksgiving holiday, a first-grade school teacher, working in a deteriorating inner-city neighborhood, asked her students to draw something they were thankful for this year. 

She expected to see pictures of families gathered around a big table, turkeys being carved or kids playing outside. 

Once all the drawings were done, the kids went outside for recess and the teacher reviewed their work. 

She found plenty of turkeys, families, playgrounds, happy faces. She also discovered a drawing of a plain adult sized hand, which caused her to wonder, whose hand? When the class came inside, she asked the other students to give their thoughts of whose hand this might be. 

I think it must be the hand of God that brings us food,” said one student.

“A farmer,” said another, “because they grow the turkeys.”

“It looks more like a policeman, and they protect us.” another student added. 

When the teacher asked the student whose artwork they were reviewing; who’s hand was the drawing? He replied: 

“It’s yours.”

“You are always holding my hand, always protecting me, always showing me the right path to take. Always making me feel secured and loved. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for your hand.” 

As the saying goes “Out of the mouths of babes oft times come gems.” Those gems can sometimes be extremely profound. 

As we gather around a table today with family, friends, loved ones and perhaps people we are meeting for the first time, we all need to be reminded to give thanks to those who offered a helping hand to us, from our past to our present. This Thanksgiving, remember our hands are powerful they can extend far beyond their reach especially when we spread kindness to others.

Our little first grader taught us a powerful lesson, the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

So, go ahead and lend a helping hand to make the world a better place and be thankful to those whose hands helped us.