When I walked into school today for my first day on the job, I never imagined the feeling I would have when I headed home this afternoon. After learning where the janitorial supplies were kept, I swept the floors and cleaned the bathrooms just like I did on my previous job.

Around lunchtime, I hear on the loudspeaker that every teacher and staff member is to report to the main office before leaving school today. I briefly question if that would include me since I had only been there for ten hours, but I want to be sure I am following all orders.

I can't ever remember receiving a gift when it was not my birthday or Christmas. The office assistant said that a volunteer brought in thank you gift bags for every member of the staff and that included me. As I placed the "You are appreciated" note on my refrigerator and savored a couple of high-end chocolates later that night, I knew I had the best job in the world.

Dear Virginia,

I am utterly amazed at the request you submitted for one million dollars. How could any sane person refuse to respond after seeing the faces of those six sad reindeer? It’s obvious their need is great to be wrapped in golden gowns after having been turned down to ride across the sky on the most important night of the year.

If only I had one million dollars, I would send you a bag of carrots and look for a secluded beach near the north pole.

Much love,

Santa Claus

It was the best of times and the worst of times. Sitting in the Rio de Janeiro airport in Brazil at midnight with my newly-adopted, seven-month old daughter and five-year-old son. Just wanting to be home at Christmas time. All three of us in tears. This was an unexpected stop on our lengthy journey. With three carry-on bags and totally exhausted children, I couldn’t fathom how we could rise from those plastic chairs to get on our next flight.

That’s when you appeared. You were disguised as a very elderly man wearing what appeared to be a janitor’s uniform. In broken English and a nod of your head, you convinced me you were there to help. When you picked up our bags along with my son, you pointed toward where our plane was boarding. A sympathetic flight attendant allowed you to accompany us to our seats.

I never knew what role guardian angels played, but I'll never forget as you walked away, I could only shout one word -- gracias!

Get a good friend to create a plan with you to spend a day the week before your birthday to scatter some kindness.

Pick up a few inexpensive goodies at a grocery store. Maybe some fruit snacks or cookies. Drop them off at your local food shelf or a shelter. Then go somewhere for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and buy one for an unsuspecting person. If you happen to see a homeless person along the way, give them a dollar from each of you.

There's probably a nonprofit organization in your area that could use a couple hours of help from willing teens. Might be raking leaves, serving dinner, or just talking to an elderly person who has no visitors.

When it's your birthday, you can look back at what you did and enjoy the good feeling. It will also be like giving a gift to your friend who gets to experience this day with you.

Many years down the road when someone asks what you did for your 18th birthday, this just might be what you remember.

I see a tiny boy digging into his tiny pocket. He pulls out a coin which he places in the paper cup of a homeless man. This same tiny boy marches on down the street where he hears a steel drum, made out of tin cans, sending beautiful music to his tiny ears. Once again, he reaches into his tiny pocket and drops a shiny nickel on the ground next to the street musician.

The tiny boy knows he has only one copper penny left in his pocket. He saves it for tomorrow. His compassion is not tiny.

The fewer words, the easier it will be for you to remember.

Deep breath

Kind thought

Proceed

Often when reading what others have written on this site, I see God’s presence.

The lyrics of this old song by Frankie Lane give me reason to believe.

“I believe, for every drop of rain that falls,

A flower grows...

I believe that somewhere in the darkest night,

A candle glows...

I believe for everyone who goes astray,

Someone will come, to show the way,

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer,

Will still be heard...

I believe, that someone in the great somewhere,

Hears every word…”