I was struck by the children's uninhibited display of joy and excitement — and all over a couple of hamburgers, too! For there I sat, in a booth across from them, calmly, consuming my meal, my composure a stark contrast to their exuberance. Obviously, the children hadn't learned yet to conceal their enthusiasm — or at least to subdue it. They hadn't learned yet that showing too much joy and excitement is not "cool."

I wondered: at what age do we start acting cool? And (for heaven's sake!) why?

God, restore my ability to show joy and enthusiasm.

— Melannie Svoboda, Everyday Epiphanies