“Life isn’t perfect on any front, and doing the best we can with what we have is the most we should expect of ourselves or anyone else”
Fred Rogers
The house where my kids were raised had one large area for kitchen and living room and that’s where the TV was. Therefore, I spent almost as much time with Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street as my youngsters did, and learned kindness and cooperation from Fred Rogers. The make-believe world of those little characters he created wasn’t perfect but he was teaching his audience that imperfection doesn’t preclude a joyful life.
At the time, I didn’t realize the depth of his message any more than my children did, but if we hear something often enough it seeps into our souls. What we heard from Fred Rogers, on a daily basis, was kindness, and acceptance of people as they are. Our family was constantly busy with chores and activities that benefitted everyone, keeping rooms clean, feeing livestock, and helping out in any way that was age appropriate so there wasn’t much time for TV and anyhow, we only got two channels, one of which was Public Television. We weren’t perfect parents, just people doing our best with what wisdom we had, which was pretty slim at times, but Mr. Rogers may be a lot of the reason that all of my children grew up to be kind hearted and devoted to making their communities strong, despite the struggles and imperfections that we all carry.
Looking back, I think the heart of Mr. Rogers’ message was to do our best to be at peace, and to hope that peace is contagious. Don’t we all long for peace of mind, peace in our communities, and world peace? Here are some principles that seem to be key in our quest.
“Our common welfare should come first.”
Bill Wilson
“Wish well for every person who crosses your path. Silently recite: May you be safe. May you be well. May you be happy. May you be at peace.”
Amy Eilberg
“Forgive instead of paying back. To forgive doesn’t mean forgetting but it is a choice to be free.”
Robert V. Taylor
“Inner peace is letting go of being right.”
Hugh Prather
“Kindness is essential to inner peace.”
Dali Lama
Years ago, I was offered a measuring stick to use before opening my mouth. I often fail to remember to use that and, when I do, nothing good comes of it. Ask yourself these questions. “Is this true? Is it helpful? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” Sometimes I don’t know if it’s true, or maybe it’s only true for me. If it’s an opinion, that should be made clear. Sometimes a message is unpleasant, but necessary for finding solutions. In that case, it should be presented in a manner that is kind, rather than hurtful.
I generally close these thoughts by encouraging you to do your best. I really mean it, and I’m trying to do it too.
Meet me here next week. You know the rest…