On a recent trip to South Florida I found a protein smoothie shop open on an early morning. As I pulled in the parking spot, I looked up and saw the warning sign reminder (at left) of what I should do before I exited my car. I sat for a minute and reflected on what the three messages were telling me and how they were a stark contrast to so many fundamental teachings of our early lives.
Lock, Take, and Hide are necessary today but for our 20h Century readers of days gone by the lessons that shaped us were Be Open, Share, and Light Up with a Smile. Much of those lessons started in kindergarten and for me (you can see me below on the front row to the right) it is these teachings that are 
the reasons my life is so blessed. Eastside Baptist Church kindergarten teachers Ms. Howard and Ms. Johnson made sure that we communicated and that we told them about what made us sad and what brought us joy and that we share our stories and our toys with our pals in the class. Most importantly we were taught that being friendly and smiling, often if we were tired or annoyed, was the best way to handle any situation.
I bet you can see exactly where this story is going but for now I will close and I want you to finish it! Send me a message of what you learned in kindergarten ([email protected]) and for safety’s sake heed the South Florida parking lot sign, too!
LMA Newsletter of 11-1-21
