Coffee and Conversation

I have always believed that what unites us as human beings is far greater than anything that divides us.  It seems like we are often confronted with our differences and asked to choose between one idea, or belief, or "side" than another.  In this kind of thinking, there are winners and losers; there is acceptance or rejection; there are divides that seem impossible to cross.  Over the past week, I have been thinking about how we are all one people in the world, united by our humanity, and wishing for bridges that could help us reconnect. In a small way, my wish came true last night.

Yesterday evening, our school hosted an event called Coffee and Conversation. This began as a Fed Ex day idea last year (thanks to Euriah Bryant), and it is being carried on this year by Mrs. Jennifer Ball and our students.  At Coffee and Conversation, a diverse group comes together to share a bit of their humanity with each other.  Students from all walks of life and from vastly different peer groups converge on the elementary commons area, and they perform.  Students recited original poetry, played original songs, sang song covers, performed comedy skits, prepared wonderful food, shared their blogs, and exhibited their artwork.  It was a really beautiful thing to see.

As I looked out at the crowd in attendance, I saw looks of love and hope and encouragement and joy on the faces of the audience.  They clapped and cheered, and if they felt like I did, they marveled at the bravery of the kids.  For two hours, we were one people, bound by our hope for these students and their impact on the world.  My heart today is filled with gratitude, as it so often is, for the opportunity to be part of this school community where we are united in service of young people.