The Seed

As the summer winds down for us and we gear up for the start of school next week, I'm trying to get myself organized.  Try being the operative word.  Every year I start a new file folder on my desk for each of my kids.  I also label a box with their name and grade.  In the folder goes everything that I want to keep...photos, important papers, drawings, awards, etc... (the rest goes in the trash, but don't tell my almost 6 year old this!)  Then once the folder is full I move everything to the box.  I came across a poem from my son's second grade year.  This poem does not get put in the box.  I keep it out and read it from time to time.  Second grade was a magical year for Jack.  It was the year he had a teacher who not only inspired him, but one who truly "got" him and pushed him to his full potential.  She was kind, but firm.  She was creative, but structured.  She encouraged the kids to think outside the box.  I know that years down the road she will be that one who always stays with him in his heart when he recalls one of his favorite teachers.  I want to share with you all the poem that Mrs. Washington has her class memorize every year.  We gave her this poem printed on one of my photographs and it hangs outside her classroom.  Even now as Jack gets ready to start the fourth grade he can remember not only the words from "Ano Ano (the seed)" but also the meaning behind them.

ANO ANO

(the seed)

And they were taught the laws of life;

That their treatment of others

would return at last upon themselves.

Those who cheat will be cheated.

Those who slander will be slandered.

For every lie you tell, you will be lied to.

Brutality will be met with brutality.

We get what we give and to the same degree

and not always from the same people

with whom we've dealt.

But somewhere, sometime, somehow,

Someone will treat you in a like manner.

The good we do to others will return.

For your kindness to others,

you will received hospitality in far places yourself.

Understand the trouble of others

who come to you with their souls bared

and when you cry yourself,

you will be sympathetically understood.

We get what we give, like always attracts like.

The is the law and it is inevitable.

We cannot escape the results of our actions.

We get what we give.

In a world where we are overwhelmed with stories of hatred and violence I sincerely hope that there are more Mrs. Washington's who are helping children understand that they get what they give.  What they put in to something will come back to them twofold. Kindness is a very powerful thing. 

As July comes to a close next week, don't forget our theme of the month, Water.  There are some fabulous water shots in our Flickr Pool and we'd love to see even more!