3 Lessons Mr. Rogers Is Teaching Me
based on the movie “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
Alamo Square and the famous Painted Ladies are just a few blocks from where two of our kids go to school. Have you ever been to this neighborhood in our city?
I remember watching Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a child. It came on just before or after Sesame Street on PBS, if my memory is right. I grew up and moved on to Saved by the Bell in elementary school, Full House in middle school and Friends in high school. Now I’m an adult and watching Mr. Rogers again. First his documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” in 2018 and then the recent movie, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
If we’ve been friends for any length of time, you know my heart is for us to love the people where we live. Seeing Mr. Roger’s life unfold in this movie sparked hope. And a few tears. Don’t you love it when you realize your passion is or was someone else’s passion? I hope that’s what brings you back here to this blog on a regular basis.
“We are people who know our world is a much better place when we live in community rather than isolation, invite Jesus in and join Him at work, and help each other live out our purpose. ”
This is I hope will cause you to go to the movie, not spoil the movie for you.
He made solid lengthy eye contact. Mr. Rogers gave people his undivided attention. Everything else faded to the background, except the person he was speaking with. The little boy who was a guest on his show? Remember him. Mr. Rogers sure did!
He said the person’s name several times in conversation. I’m amazed at how the name sticks by this simple practice. I used it with Colin yesterday!
He touched people. With both hands! A firm handshake. It didn’t matter if you were a stranger, or sick, young or old.
I believe each of us can apply these 3 lessons. But I also know you show up here because you want more.
Mr. Fred Rogers was not magical. He was human. A regular man. So what grounded him? Scripture. Where did he put his energy? Swimming. How did he stay connected with people? Intercession. I like how Mrs. Roger’s answered Lloyd’s question. “He’s not a saint. You can’t attain to someone like that.” He’s normal, yet so kind.
I’ve been asking myself these three questions. You try:
What keeps you grounded? (My answer the same as Mr. Rogers)
Where do you put your energy? (Organizing and cleaning)
How do you stay connected with people? (hosting at our home, coffee shop chats, neighborhood street conversations)
Lloyd’s life changed because a man by the name of Mr. Fred Rogers saw him, valued him, talked straight to him, cared, touched, and interceded for him. I want to intercede (prayer for others) more consistently. To talk to God about the people in my life and ask Him to help.
We have the potential today and everyday to let our lives be shaped by our Maker and Father and then to be a blessing, even to just one person at a time.
How did you answer the three questions?
Our life is a lesson. Let’s learn from one another.
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