Life in the School Drop Off Lane

I love to watch the chaos that is school drop off in the morning.  One lady yelled at me as she was avoiding responsibility for being in the wrong lane for drop off—somehow this was my fault.  I bestowed good wishes upon her as she was clearly feeling stressed today.  Another mother was letting her early elementary aged daughter out in “no man’s land”—an area that we regularly receive emails from the school to avoid because it’s dangerous.  I caught the mother daughter exchange of blown kisses and captures with their hands and smack on the lips with the palm.  It was a perfect moment.  Then, as mom pulled away, a yawn escaped her mouth—like many mothers she was switching gears and heading to the office.  It was as if the yawn allowed her to move between the roles of mother and professional.  And finally, there was the child being dropped off who was on their way toward the bus and must have realized their lunch box was still in the back seat of the car.  Darting out into traffic the child hurls himself at mom’s car giving her quite a start.  Lunch box retrieved, relief washed over his face and his mother’s, too, as she recovered from the panic and shock of her son’s near miss with the morning traffic.

Some days, life is a little like the school drop off lane—lots of families, lots of different circumstances, all striving to make it through another day. We all have that rare opportunity to inspire those we come in contact with daily and help lighten each other’s loads. Helping with what seems like a small task may relieve a heavy burden for that individual. Even a simple smile can brighten a stressful day for someone. Take the time to notice and help those around you, it’s good for them as well as yourself. As you are going through your daily routine, take a breath; pause; observe; and really consider how YOU can change others’ lives for GOOD!