Especially Now

On the beautiful first of May, I visited one of our elementary schools. I wasn’t quite sure just what was happening as I walked to the front door. The kids spilled all over the grass and along the curb in front of the school with their lunch trays. There was a lot of noise, and it wasn’t just cheerful shouting. Every car and each huge dump truck driving by was honking. As I walked into the building, I heard a young voice say, “Isn’t this great? We’ve had 7 honks already today!” The eighth beeped as my feet crossed the threshold.

This scene is so striking. Kids being kids on a warm day when winter’s grip is finally letting go. We know our kids’ brains are rewiring when many hours are spent in front of screens. Our school guidance counselors, nurses, student services, and social workers are engaging with students, parents, and teaching staff every single day as we all navigate anxieties and the unknowns of our time. Administrators, as far as I can tell, and the Buildings and Grounds crews, are spinning along with everyone as they navigate the needs of all of us. Meanwhile, kids find glee when the dump truck drivers honk their horns. 

Field trips, step up days, theater productions, athletic events are all happening this month. Schools are planting their gardens. This is a great time to volunteer at your local school as gardens need tending. Being outside together, learning how a tiny seed emerges to become a carrot, or a leaf of lettuce are lessons in real time and the slow pace of growing.  

The scene of kids sprawled on the lawn, waving back to neighbors and dump truck drivers is one of absolute abandonment to the moment of beeping and waving and cheering. A sudden burst of joy. To cultivate joy is to plant the seeds of community. 

Especially now — when our social fabric is fraying and tearing. May you make some unpredictable joy.