March 20th has been designated in the Presbyterian Church as Mr. Rogers’ Day. Mr. Rogers, that iconic television show host of yore, was many things – a husband, father, Presbyterian minister, television icon, and musician among others. But the most important designation, according to him, was that he was a Christian.
His famous “won’t you be my neighbor?” was not used without significant thought. He used the term “neighbor” both deliberately and in the Biblical sense. Mr. Rogers felt that all the world was a neighborhood, and thus all the people in it were (and are) our neighbors. He taught and lived that all people should be treated in a neighborly fashion – with love at best, and respect and compassion at the least.
So on this day of celebration in honor of Mr. Rogers, we are asked to remember our neighbors and to reach out by simply doing kind things.
Kindness is a pretty great gift, when you think about it, because it doesn’t have to cost anything and it doesn’t have to take a great deal of time. Of course, it can take both time and money, but it really doesn’t need to do either. All that’s required is a little thought on the part of the giver. A means to reach out and show another person – a neighbor – that you care and are there for them. That they matter. That every life is valuable.
Another benefit of kindness is that it’s good for the giver too. It’s not only good for mental health, but also good for physical well-being. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.
So, what can we do to show kindness? It can be something simple, of course. Holding a door open for another person, smiling at a passerby, saying hello, or paying a compliment are all ways to show kindness.
Asking someone how they are doing – and really listening to the answer – is another wonderful act of kindness.
We can show kindness to those delivery people who make our lives so much easier – leaving a compliment, making a sign, leaving a bottle of water – all easy ways to show caring. For Amazon delivery folks, we can even leave a compliment through Alexa. Monthly, Amazon awards prizes to the delivery person who gets the most “thank yous.” So kindness is a ripple that makes a wave.
You can use your own small world to increase kindness in the larger one. Send emails or free cards to lift up the spirits of folks you know. Post kind words on social media, and lift up others with compliments and encouragement. Remember to thank police, fire, medical, and workers in 24/7 facilities (such as convenience stores) for their service and hard work.
If you feel like spending money, most will appreciate real cards, donations of donuts, fruit, etc. But in general, the kindness that you share without spending a dime will reap generous rewards.
If we want kindness to be part of our world in the future, we must be part of the wave in the present. So celebrate Mr. Rogers’ Day with some acts of kindness. You’ll feel better for it!
Great {pst, as always!! Only addition I would make is to thank Veterans along witht he others you listed!! IT does mean alot to them – especially when they are on home land!!
I have tried for YERS to emulate this great man – his story was recently been told ion film – with one of my favorite actors -Tom Hanks, playing him! Pretty well done in showing his life and passions! Keep up the great work, Sis – YOUR snippets have done a lot in the same vein for me!! Thanks for SNIPPETING!!!
Yes, always thanks veterans. We frequently pay for a meal if we are out and see an “elder” wearing a hat from US Marines, Army, Navy, etc. Often Vietnam Vets now, sometimes Gulf wars. They always deserve more!
welldone you are the kind of folks that we served FOR!!
Great snippet, Susie! Kindness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). What a wonderful world it would be if everyone was kind – “won’t you be my neighbor.” Just like God said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I remember seeing Uncle Orrie, another Classic children’s TV show back in the ‘50’s. I did not realize at the time that he was from Hillsboro, OH, not too many miles from where I was born.
It mentions in one translation of the Bible about God’s lovingkindness for us. Think of that! LOVING Kindness! How awesome is that!
I asked my Hubby one day why he picked me out of all the pretty girls there were in high school. He said, “Because you were kind.” Boy, I hope I live up to that. Guess I won’t be buying that shirt that says, “Sometimes I look at my husband and think… DARN, (It was a stronger word) you are one LUCKY MAN! I’m pretty sure God has a sense of humor.
Keep up the good work, kind Susie!
Thank you for reminding us of the great gift of kindness, Susie! It truly is a gift that gives back! You can’t out give it! Just a smile almost always evokes another and no doubt ripples where only God knows. I have a dear friend whose life was spared because an unknowing passerby raised his hand and gave a cheerful wave. If we realize we are all God’s children how can we not acknowledge one another. It would be like siblings passing each other on the sidewalk and paying no mind or no kind. That would sadden my heart if they were my children, as I believe it does God’s. Just acknowledging one another goes a long way in making a day! God gave us all we need. Eyes to see. Faces to smile . Voices to speak. Hands to help. When we use them we are truly more blessed than the receiver. For the joy set before Him our Savior endured the cross so we can live kind lives now and forever. May we use every breath and fiber of our being to show kindness to the world that God so dearly loved He gave His only Son.🙏✝️❤️