So it was 7:40 in the morning and students were filing into the school after eating breakfast in the cafeteria. In peeks a little girl with a sad look on her face who says, “Do you know where Mrs. C is?” I said I didn’t but I could help her find her. (She was looking for the school social worker for help with getting some clean clothes).

“I spilled milk all over me,” she says.

I said, “I can see that, but I’ll help you get some clothes.

“I’ve got my shoes on the wrong feet, too.” she says.

“I can see that, too,” I said, “but they are soooo beautiful! Look at that fancy glitter… I wish I had some shoes like that!

We walked down the hall and I made the executive decision to not make this little first grade girl change her shoes since she was going to have to change her clothes and take them off again. Taking off shoes and putting them on and tying them can be a big undertaking when  you’re 6.

As we walked down the hall, I told her I’m sure that we had clothes for her and that everything would be okay.

She looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said, “I’m just having a really bad day.”

And I looked down at that sweet first grader with milk all over her shirt and pants and glittery pink shoes on the wrong feet, and a headband that was a jeweled little kitty crown and I could not help but smile big.

I hugged her and assured this little first grader that some days are like that but that I had a feeling it would get better soon.

And it did. We found some clothes that fit her and made sure her shoes were on the right feet and her teacher didn’t give her a tardy as I walked this one in the classroom. She welcomed her right on in. This sweet student smiled at me and then took her seat.

And she reminded me  of me. Because I know what  it feels like to feel needy, and I know what it feels like to be helped, and I’m thankful for times when things are hard and get turned around with a little help from my friends.

We need each other. We need each other in the big things, we need each other in the little. Thankful for a reminder from my new little friend.

Oh, and  I saw her later that day–this sweet little six year old with the headband kitty ears crown, clean shirt and pants and glittery pink shoes on  the right feet.  She obediently stood in line with her class and smiled big and waved at me. I waved right back and smiled big.

Little graces can make a big difference for all parties involved.  ❤

Blessings ~

Heather