Yesterday we had torrential rainfall in Richmond, but I plowed through it to visit a local elementary school and read to a class of second graders.

Their teacher gave me two books - one about pumpkins, the other about the pilgrims' journey to America and their celebration feast after surviving a long, hard winter.

Before I launched into the second book, I asked the energetic boys and girls sitting at my feet to silently think of one thing they were thankful for this year, and to remember to be grateful for it on Thanksgiving Day.

Most of the children smiled or promised to comply.  As I opened the book, however, my eyes were drawn to one child, a boy sitting in the middle of group.  In the seconds it had taken me to make my request and settle in to read, his demeanor had changed.

He hung his head. He sat there scowling.  It was obvious that he felt like he had little reason to give thanks.

I asked his name and motioned for him to join me in the reading chair.  I smiled at him and told him I couldn't have any sad faces during story time, so he would have to be my helper.

He sat next to me while I read with as much enthusiasm as I could muster (it wasn't hard- these kids were great).  At the same time, I was uttering a prayer, in my mind and heart, for this sweet little boy.

I don't know what was troubling his youthful soul, but the pain had been written all over his face. I knew I couldn't erase it with a brief story time.

Yet in the ten minutes it took me to share that story and ask the students questions, as I turned the pages and showed them the illustrations, my little friend's countenance changed. He relaxed and leaned close to me, and by the time I closed the book, his smile had returned.

Yes, it was only temporary. But I hope that if he has nothing else to cling to on Thanksgiving morning, he'll remember that the lady who visited his classroom to read cared about him. Maybe it will make him smile again.

John 13:34  - "A new command  I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Questions? Comments? Contact Stacy at stacy@stacyhawkinsadams.com.