Last fall, I visited a school to talk about adventure and how to live a daring life, a life that could change the world. And to be honest, most of the examples I gave were about quiet courage and daily actions that would likely never make the news. After the presentation, I had a few extra moments with one particular class while they waited their turn to file out of the cafeteria. We chatted and then I got lots of hugs as they stood up to leave. I remember telling them that I think the most important quality they can have as learners is a sense of wonder and expectation about the world. A sense of hope for the future.

I’m thinking about those kids today, about who they will each become and about how they will change their world. I won’t be watching the inauguration, not for any grand protest, but because I’ve got some work to finish. The work I need to do is the same today as it was yesterday as it will be tomorrow. This world is filled with both beauty and brokenness. And these kids — all kids — need books that celebrate beauty and mend brokenness. Sometimes the best way to live a daring life is to quietly shine a light on that which is beautiful AND on that which is broken. So whichever you are doing today, I’m with you. Shine on, friends.