Birddroppings February 12, 2026

Sunrise is always a great way to start the day.

“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.“ Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

For many years, I have read this passage by the great chief Tecumseh. I know many who have a difficult time finding anything to give thanks for. In this ridiculous world of wars, wonders, and technology, some people are so self-absorbed that all around them is a blur. I watched a high school football game several years ago, and we lost 31-7, finishing our season 4-6. We started the season full of hope and excited about having a new head coach. This was his first season at a new school, and as we walked to the car, my middle son said, “Dad, you know my senior year we were only 2-8.” These seniors have doubled our senior year wins. Even within a loss, even within tribulation, there is room for thanks and for growth.

I find myself talking to children when I observe classrooms. I am always amazed at times how deep some children actually think. Sitting with my five-year-old grandson, he used the word ‘satisfying,’ which I thought was interesting, and he used it in the correct context. So a few days passed, and he was watching a goofy YouTube show whose basis was two brothers challenging each other to stupid games. Paper cup stacking, whipped cream in the mouth contests, jumping over tables, and one after another of silly games. My wife caught a word being used as one brother would win, satisfying. My grandson obviously had watched this show before.

I have been working with a fourth-grade class this semester, and when I go in, it’s great to get a standing ovation. I sit next to the teacher, and to my left is a Muslim girl. At first, she was very quiet, but we joked around. I helped her with an essay or two, proofreading. We are buddies now and got into a discussion yesterday. Gwinnett County has winter break today through Monday. Valentine’s parties had to be on Wednesday, the tenth. So somehow, we started talking about Valentine’s Day, which this student says she does not celebrate. It is a Christian holiday, and I never equated Valentine’s Day with religion, but I googled, and I was wrong. Goes back to Saint Valentine. So, I admitted my error; she was right. She smiled and told me, “I just came for the candy.”

How often do we come for the candy? The significance and learning are second fiddle to that test score. In the last 20 years, I have seldom heard a teacher discuss how much students learned rather than how well they did on tests. I don’t mean to mislead. I still will not celebrate Valentine’s Day as a religious holiday. My grandkids will get a card with money, a hand-drawn cartoon from Pop Pop, and a message from Grand Mommie. Always a five-dollar bill and the cards are Disney or Bluey, not religious in nature.

I wish there were a way to measure real learning in children, and we could teach that learning rather than an arbitrary test score that is generally meaningless. I wish, as I go out in the morning, I could ponder my way to a solution as I search for a sunrise, deer, and other pieces of nature. Please keep all in harm’s way on your mind and in your hearts, namaste.

My family and friends, I do not say this lightly,
Mitakuye Oyasin
(We are all related)
docbird