I came across an article the other day, “7 Mr. Rogers Quotes to Get You Through Upsetting Times”.* It was written in response to the horrific attack of a Synagogue in the Pittsburgh—the city I still call “my city” and “my home”, even though I haven’t lived there in 23 years—on October 27th. I thought I might take a day each to reflect on his words.
“There are three ways to ultimate success—The first way is to be kind, the second way to be kind and the third way is to be kind.”—Fred Rogers
Mr. Rogers always had a simple message for children (and adults). “Be kind.” It seems so simple, yet kindness is so poorly executed in our society. “Ultimate success” is successful relationships. It is not money or possessions. Success is people. Success is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When we consider fruits, we should be aware that they don’t just magically appear in the grocery produce section. Fruit must be grown. It takes cultivation. It takes care and tending. It must be defended against insects and disease. In other words, we have to work at being kind (as well as expressing love and being joyful, peaceful, patient, good, faithful, gentle, and having self-control).
I am not inherently kind. It takes effort, and sometimes I am lazy (very often, I am lazy). This no doubt impedes my success and the success of others.
We teach our children not to expect the world to be kind, but to we teach them to practice kindness in the face of unkindness? Do we show them how to be kind when the world is not?
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
*http://www.pittsburghbeautiful.com/2018/10/28/7-mr-rogers-quotes-to-get-you-through-upsetting-times/?fbclid=IwAR1M8wzriC2C6y-lOG6K45XXv1YbLtpVfyrusH2hzdZf0L8mCjTNEp5O0EM