Stories by robbie (3 matches)

A Few Words Can Go A Long Way

The other night I was at a friend's house to discuss some things about a charity organization we're involved in.

There were a fews of us there, and we were all laying around on the couches in her living room. All of a sudden, I became extremely emotional and burst into tears for no good reason.  I was sobbing hysterically, but i couldn't figure out why. 

My friend came over to me and hugged me tight, rubbing my back and trying to figure out what was wrong.  He sat there holding me for probably ten minutes before I stopped crying.  Then he looked at me and he said, "You look so pretty today."  It was a small thing, but just because he said that, I was able to smile and for the most part pull myself together.  It brightened my day, and boosted my self-esteem at least a few notches. 

The lesson here is that the smallest of compliments can sometimes make the biggest difference in someone's life.  Always remember to give compliments!

Don't Underestimate the Kids!

I teach a sixth-grade Hebrew school class every Tuesday at my synagogue.

This year, the staff has worked to institute a "mitzvah theme". A mitzvah is a good deed, as well as a commandment in the Jewish religion. However, we have talked about the fact that anyone, of any religion, can perform a mitzvah.

Recently the Rabbi asked us to set goals for our classes to be reached by the end of March. I sat down with the kids to talk about it, thinking that what we should really focus on was finishing the prayer they've all been struggling with.  Instead, the kids decided they wanted to do a mitzvah project.

I encouraged them to do it, but secretly figured they'd lose interest by the next week. However, the next week, my kids came in with a proposal for a book drive and a furniture painting workshop -- they wanted to collect books and then paint bookshelves and donate books to Reach Out and Read, an oranization that gets books to kids in hospitals who can't afford their own. They even designed a flyer about the book drive!

I was so proud!

Be Like A Bird

this is a song i learned from a good friend and teacher of mine in vermont. it is sung in a round, and the lyrics have truly changed the way i face situations.

be like a bird
who halting in her flight
on a limb too slight
feels it giving way
beneath her
yet sings
sings
knowing she has wings
yet sings
sings
knowing she has wings.

Wandering Around an Albuquerque Airport Terminal