This week’s quote comes from a book called Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  My nine-year-old suggested (read:commanded) that I read this, and it sparked a number of discussions between the two of us about school, bullying, feeling different, and especially being kind.   It is a story about a boy with a facial deformity who leaves the comfort of his safe, home-schooled life to attend middle school for the first time, but also extends outward to include the thoughts and feelings of those who surround and are influenced by him.  It is a great reminder that even though some challenges may be more visible than others, everyone struggles with something…and that we could all afford to be gentler with each other. The book is sometimes painful, but ultimately uplifting and motivating. The quote is part of a speech given by the school’s principal at a year-end graduation ceremony.

“In the future you make for yourselves, anything is possible.  If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary–the world really would be a better place.  And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.”