This month, the United States honors Black History Month, understanding that the history of Black Americans is the history of the nation. We learn this month of creativity and struggle, of perseverance and inspiration, of brilliance and hard work. We learn also that history lives right here among us in the relationships we have right now.
Do something to honor the history of your people today.
Friendship at different times of life. The grade school best friend who held all my secrets. The high school and college friends who held all my dreams. The career and mama friends who held my fears and triumphs. Then came the sister friend who held them all. -Christina Rivera (CLF)
Who are the friends that have been with you at different times in your life?
Friendship is one of the most important things in life and also one of the hardest things to explain. It’s not something that can be taught. We all need it. We all value it. We all need someone in the world who loves us and values us like a true friend does. -Judy DiCristofaro (CLF)
Do something to show another person you value them.
We dedicate ourselves to the children. We dedicate ourselves to the good of the earth, from which the trees come and to which we all return. We seek to move and to make friends. We seek creativity. May our lives be blessed by the joy of play and the connections of friends.
-Adapted from words written to dedicate a playground by Jonalu Johnstone
Find something that brings you the unbridled joy of children on a playground today.
As our Jewish siblings celebrate Tu B’Shvat, the “new year of the trees,” let us ponder with them our connection to all beings. Each of our actions ripples outwards through the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
How can you be a friend to the trees today?
