[blockquote source=”Mohandas Gandhi”]”If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children.”[/blockquote]

I watched a little girl playing ‘bubbles’ the other day. She was off to the side, far away from the other little ones – and, completely engaged in getting ‘just the right amount of soap bubbles’ on her dipping wand.

“Oh, your hair looks so pretty,” I smiled, doing my best to draw her nearer to the other children. She seemed so shy, and – as the Mama Bear of the neighborhood – I felt it my place to help her find her way forward.

“Thank you,” she beamed, “I did it all by myself.” For me, there’s no better joy than watching a little one realize they can, in fact, do just about anything.

“Your mother must be very proud,” I offered. And, then she said something that just about broke my heart:

“Oh, my Mommy never says that…”

My goodness, how easily we forget the necessity of nurturing a little one’s soul. To share with them, such magnificent tales – and, demonstrate that nothing is impossible.

How do we expect to extend humanity’s reach in turning away from our own little one’s hand?

I know this might sound silly, but this weekend – I’ll be putting together a ‘faire’ for the little ones. With lots of treats, perhaps some clever face painting, and goodies to take home at the end of the day.

I may not be able to change the dynamics of a family, but…I *can* make a difference in the hearts of these little ones.

We all can.

So tell me, my darlings – what can you do to help someone smile this weekend?