Nourishment for the soul right outside my front door....

This morning I decided (after many months) that I would take a walk. I had crepes to deliver for french week at school and I haven't been out walking in months. So on the way, I grabbed S from our local cross-walk, where she is the safety patrol. The crossing guard dismissed her when she saw me coming and then said to me as we're crossing the street " S***** does such a great job, and I know it's because you're such an excellent parent in many ways". This came from the substitute guard who only does our corner when Mrs. Rose is on vacation. I've seen her just a few times at best, and we've never really chatted. So, needless to say I was floored and pleased ... and I beamed the whole rest of my walk.

When I came back to the corner after walking/jogging the long way through our neighborhood, I stopped and told her how she had made my day. And she said ..." your kids talk about you all the time. How you give them allowance, but make them do their chores..... how they have to spend their own money at the dollar store - what you cook ..." I was really surprised by all this. The kids grumble a lot about cleaning their room, etc - but apparently they're not all that upset about it.

Any way - as thatliardiego pointed out earlier this week "compliments are free, dispense them liberally" - so it the ability to give thanks when it's due. And I am thankful.