Has this ever been your role?

Nico was in second grade when his teacher told the class they would put on a play for Thanksgiving. All the Moms and Dads would be invited. Some students would be pumpkins. One would be a scarecrow. A few would be tall cornstalks. And a few would be pilgrims. The teacher said there would be enough parts for EVERYONE, and nobody would be left out.

Nico wanted to be in the play, but he was shy and afraid to make mistakes on stage. What if he was a pumpkin and rolled the wrong way? Or a pilgrim who forgot what to say? He hoped his part would be important, but not scary. The parts would be assigned on Friday.

His Mom knew Nico was worried when he went to school Friday morning. She hoped he'd get a part that made him feel happy and confident. When he came home, he was beaming. "My role is really important," he said, "and I don't have to worry about making mistakes. I'm part of the group that is responsible for clapping and cheering!"