Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a classroom of first graders at Blake Elementary School. I asked them what the word inspiration meant to them. I was pleased that at age seven or eight, they grasped the concept of inspiration, but at a different level. I think as adults we tend to forget that we can inspire someone by doing something small or that we can make a difference in the life of someone else by a random act of kindness! To a first grade student, they are inspired to be kind to another student because their classmate shared their favorite light-up pen. To a first grader, they are inspired by a big, "welcome back" from the class, after being gone sick for a few days. They are also inspired to dance or to draw by watching a dancer on TV or seeing a beautiful photo of a flower in a magazine. Inspiration can not only be from a person and what they do, but by the gifts from God that surround us.
We all like to feel appreciated and it seems to start at an early age! I took a lot from this fun energy - filled visit to this classroom, but the most important thing I will take is remembering to give appreciation for the smallest thing. Let your friend, your family member, the first grader that you may know, your co-worker know that you appreciate them (remember to be sincere about it) and you will make their day! You will inspire them to continue and they will reciprocate to others in their life, maybe even you! :)
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