Found a bunch of hope in the woods today!

Quilla and I went on a morning walk in the woods today. Even on hot days, the woods near my house remain so comfortable, and up here in the hills it always feels at least five degrees cooler than "in the city," even if we are just three miles away. We met a group of young students (and their teachers) from a Nature School, which seems to be a type of summer daycare, but with the children spending time outside, learning about flora and fauna (and mythology, based on a conversation I overheard), and developing environmental awareness. To be cautious, they didn't pet Quilla, but I stopped to tell them her name and to find out about them. I asked how old they were, and a chorus of excited voices simultaneously exclaimed, "Five!" Six!" Four!" It seems they were mostly five-year-olds, but one young fellow was very pleased to be the only six-year-old and one tall girl surprised me when she said she was four. Soon they all told me their birthdays and their ages (usually accompanied by the requisite finger demonstrations). I felt joy just being in their presence. They were so polite, attentive, and seemed interested in what I had to say. Then I remembered: children are constantly learning and exploring the world: it's a lovely thing to see. That of course is why it remains so important for everyone, not just parents, but all of us to provide good role models for every child we encounter. After they moved on, I felt hopeful. Often we bemoan the state of the world and the future, but I know that good people everywhere work with children to help instill in them the ethics, awareness, and sensitivity to others that will make the world a better place.