In lives, we receive so much but all we remember is to focus on what we don't have. Rather we must cultivate a grateful attitude that allows us to appreciate what we have. Sharing a small anecdote! Thanksgiving Day was nearby. The first-grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment - to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful. Some drew toys, some clothes and others shoes. However, Douglas was a different kind of boy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stad close by her side. The teacher saw everyone's picture and saw Douglas' picture to be very differ ent. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers give food. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went on When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and muttered, It's yours, teacher
She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students How often had she said, Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside. Or, Let me show you how to hold your pencil. Or, Let's do this together. Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand
This story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.
