Give Thanks, Often

She didn’t know what to make of it at first.

Just a small watercolor token, handed across the counter during the weekend rush at the boba shop.

For ten minutes, I had watched her.

Seventeen, maybe eighteen — juggling orders, fixing the self-service kiosk, handing out drinks with a tired smile.

A quiet kind of grace under pressure.

Then she flipped the token over.

Saw her name.

Read the note.

And her eyes filled with tears.

Sometimes, being seen is all it takes to soften the edge of a hard day.

If you come across a young person doing their best in a job that asks too much … pause.

Offer grace.

Show kindness.

They’re only trying to do their best.