At 14 when I graduated from Dean Junior High, I felt like a fish out of water.

At the Graduation Ceremony I sat in a wheelchair with my head in a sling. One of the steel rods in my back had broken and surgery loomed a few days later.

As awards were given to my fellow classmates for outstanding grades, Most Popular Boy and Girl and Most Likely to Succeed, I was not aware of anything about me that was worthy of praise or recognition.

Suddenly, a teacher wheeled me on stage and presented me with an unexpected award— The Most Optimistic Student Award.

I’ve always known that this Award had no historical precedent. It was given to me by teachers and the Principal in recognition that I always had smile on my face despite my obvious disabilities and struggles.

The fact that others gave me that recognition helped me recognize the gift God gave me in a smile and a positive attitude in all things.

Lord, even though our imperfections are many, every one of Your children has some quality, gift, or talent worthy of recognition and praise. Please help us to look beyond the superficial and the obvious and find something worthy of recognition and praise in others. For in the recognition of Your gifts in them, we glorify You and show You thanks for our creation.  Amen

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Jack H. Emmott is a Senior Counsel of Gray, Reed & McGraw, LLP, a 120-lawyer full service firm in Houston, Texas, a Board-Certified Family Law and Master Credentialed Collaborative Law Professional Divorce Attorney, Mediator, Author, Entrepreneur and Inspirational Speaker.  For more information about Jack or his latest book, Bending Angels: Living Messengers of God’s Love, go to BendingAngel.com.