10 Things I Learned from Mr. Rogers

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you be mine?"

I will never forget the Saturday mornings spent in my pajamas, eating breakfast, turning on the television and watching Mr. Rogers. Perhaps you share these fond memories as well...the gentle sound of his voice and colorful tones of his cardigans, the mail man, the trolly and puppets...oh and we can't forget the fish! I don't know about you, but Mr. Rogers did more than entertain me growing up. He inspired me. Of course, at the time, I was unaware of the impact he had on my childhood, but now I can say with full confidence that Mr. Rogers taught me a great deal about life.

 

Here are 10 things I learned from Mr. Rogers:

1. Love your neighbor (and fish) - Mr. Rogers stood on this simple yet profound principle. The very heartbeat of God is to love unceasingly. Whether the recipients are humans, animals, nature etc., if it's God's creation, then we are called to respect and care for it.   

“Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”

2. Generosity - Give generously. Wherever Mr. Rogers went, he served. Whether through his finances, words of encouragement or time and energy, he never grew weary of giving.

3. Recognize others - Every episode, Mr. Rogers would either take his viewers on a journey via film (the vintage VHS tape) or perhaps visit places himself such as factories, performance halls, restaurants, etc. interviewing professionals in various fields. He encouraged them in their talents and inspired children to pursue their dreams in the process. Wherever we go in life and whomever we encounter along the way, may we never cease to build others up and remind them of their value, significance, and distinct purpose in the global community. 

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” 

4. Character - No matter what happens circumstantially, never compromise your character. We watched the puppets experience great conflict and ethical dilemmas, yet grow to understand the vitality of maintaining character throughout. Praise and achievements will come and go, but a person's character is of the utmost importance--it's his or her legacy.

5. Consistency - Have you ever had a friend that you could consistently count on? That no matter what you were going through, they were faithful in supporting you? Mr. Rogers was that friend. Although he experienced challenges and every normal human emotion, he was not one person one day and a different person the next. Many articles have recognized Mr. Rogers for his genuine spirit--that he was the same person on screen as he was off screen. His character and integrity were something that never wavered. He was reliable.

6. Gentleness - There's power in a sweet, kind, and gentle spirit. A professor once told me that strength can be found behind the eyes and a smile. Although Mr. Rogers was a quieter man, his strength lied not within the volume of his voice. Rather, it was the soft and loving, yet profound words spoken that penetrated the hearts of children and adults alike. There is power in gentleness.

7. Joy - The older I get, the more I am faced with the harsh realities and challenges of life. However, joy is not contingent upon circumstances. It lies within the depth of our hearts. Mr. Rogers was a man of faith and his stability was not a result of his ignorance of these external factors but rather a decision to rest in the promises of his God.

8. Power in the mundane - Be faithful in the small things. Whether feeding your fish, picking up your mail, going to school/work, or watching the kids etc, understand that none of it is in vain. Dilligence is rewarded. Every day possesses opportunities to spread love and kindness. Instead of overlooking those around you, be attentive and watch God prompt you, lead your conversations, and make an ordinary day an extraordinary day.

9. Gratitude - In his 1997 Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech, Mr. Rogers emphasized the importance of acknowledging those that have helped us get to where we are today. Never forget your humble beginnings nor the people who have been there for you through the hills and valleys.

10. See the good - Great challenge and strife will continue to affect this world, yet we must never overlook the hope that still exists--the light still peaking through the clouds. In fact, choosing to see the good in the world is not an ignorant approach but rather a visionary approach. Believing in the present and striving for a better tomorrow. Our sphere of influence can and will expand with the proper amount of faith and motivation. Yes, this world is broken, but it is not a lost cause. We are the glue, thread and needle, that God has purposefully and strategically placed to mend what is broken. 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” 

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Mr. Rogers,

On behalf of all the men, women, and children touched by your program, I'd like to say thank you for pouring into our lives and teaching us what it means to love our neighbor. Now you are reaping the rewards in Heaven and sitting next to the ultimate Neighbor. Looking forward to meeting you in person. See you soon.

Your fan forever and always,

Erin-Rae

Relevant magazine recently posted an inspiring article entitled, "10 Mr. Rogers Quotes You Need to Read." Would highly recommend! http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/10-mr-rogers-quotes-you-need-read