'The Greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.'


Today, as I think of all that is going on in our world, it causes me to pause and think of some better days of long ago.  We have better technology but what about morals and honesty?  We can turn on our TV today and hear about all of the corruption in many areas of our world that is just so disheartening.

I realize there are problems and issues in all generations.  Nevertheless, it seems as time passes, there is more corruption and dishonesty in the political world to say the least.  And, in turn, this streams down and/or, to and fro, in other areas that affect all of us.

"The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self."  This statement was said by a wise man.  Do you know who this man was?  I'll give you a hint.  For more than thirty years, he swept us off to his neighborhood and taught us about love, friendship, respect, individuality, imagination, honesty, and so much more.  With his signature style, his cardigan, and his gentle yet direct tone, he earned our trust and love. 
Well, if you haven't guessed who this is by now, I'll tell you, Fred Rogers.  Perhaps, it was the 'cardigan' that gave him away or was it the 'neighborhood'?  And, it might have been because he seemed different, in ways, I have no doubt that he was made fun of in his gentle and simple style. 

I think this is evident as to how we judge people.  We have no right nor do we want to be judged in any way.  Oh, maybe, if it is a great compliment that builds up our ego.  How very wrong this is.  If, in fact, this is where we are and how we feel.  Mister Roger was a good example of giving this gift of his honest self. 

Mister Rogers had a humble heart, love and knowledge.  He offered volumes of unique tools and comfort to all ages.  He shared through love and grace, giving the greatest gift he could ever give, 'his honest self'. 

I would like to share some of the wonderful things he shared with others in his book: The World According to Mister Rogers.  He thought some of these writings were important to remember and so do I.

"Successful people....just love what they're doing, and they love it in front of others."

"We human beings all want to know that we're acceptable, that somehow our being alive makes a difference in the lives of others."

"People have said, 'Don't cry' to other people for years and years and all it has ever meant is, 'I'm too uncomfortable when you show your feelings. Don't cry.'  I'd rather have them say, 'Go ahead and cry.  I'm here to be with you.'"

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.
 
Mister Rogers said so simply.  "You don't ever have to do anything sensational for people to love you."  Remember him saying on his show that "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.  It is that deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive: love that conquers hate, peace that arises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed."

May we all find the strength and grace to make those choices which will allow all of us to become the best of whoever we are. 

Giving the gift of our 'honest self, is as beautiful in its' simplicity as the raindrops visiting a petal on a flower....it just flows.  






'Raindrops bring beauty to our flowers'

Until next time
God Bless
Doris