Lean In

     I am always blown away by our children. They are wise beyond their years and have taught me an immeasurable amount about so many things. Our youngest just wrote a very impressive list of "New Years Goals/Changes" which inspired me to consider my own. The most awe-inspiring entry on our daughter's list, which included improved dental hygiene, dog training and self-knowledge was the last one: "Give gifts of kindness." Three of the four words in that sentence would be in and of themselves enough of a list to be considered weighty and important. And when put together as a sentence, as the twelfth entry in a twelve year old's New Year's Resolutions, it is hefty, impressive and without match.
     I need to connect with others. I should be talking to my husband more. I could be making an appointment with my designated health care professional and/or my spiritual advisor. Or I can just read the twelfth entry on our daughter's New Years Resolution list: "Give gifts of kindness". And then do it.
     At a service in December, our pastor recommended that we lean in; connect with each other, with others, with God--- take someone for coffee, invite someone for lunch, listen. Whether delivered by a smart and funny adult man or a smart and funny twelve year old girl, the message is the same. My resolution is to follow their advice. And you?