"When I say it's you I like, I'm talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive." ~ Fred Rogers
Remember the children's TV show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood?
In case you never saw it, in every episode Mr. Rogers said, "I like you. I like you just the way you are." He sang, "Won't you be my neighbor?" He treated everyone with respect. And he showed what being a neighbor looks like.
In today's quote, Fred Rogers' words may sound lofty or complex, but in 895 episodes, Mr. Rogers showed how down-to-earth and simple it is to look beyond outer appearances and differences and see each person as a neighbor.
Imagine how beautiful life would be if multitudes of us responded to life as Fred Rogers demonstrated on those 895 episodes - and in his real life.
"It's not always easy," many say.
No, it's not. But we are each capable of seeing every fellow human being as a neighbor and treating each neighbor as we wish to be treated.
We can do it. Perhaps we must.
Everyday, we can think, "It starts with me."
Everyday, we can say by our actions, "Won't you be my neighbor?"
What do you say?
Charlene
THE ELEVENTH GIFT IS LOVE: It will grow each time you give it away. - from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
