We’ve made it to another Friday!
As we wrap up this week, I’ll also wrap up the section on the importance of taking our time and prioritizing moments of silence in Amy Hollingsworth book, The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers.
Hollingsworth writes, “He taught me that taking one’s time, especially in relationships, allows the other person to know he or she is worth the time.”
And when it came to silence, he wasn’t only suggesting the absence of noise, but “silence that reflects on goodness […]. Silence to think about those who have helped us. He knew that silence leads to reflection, that reflection leads to appreciation, and that appreciation looks about for someone to thank […].”
Mister Rogers gave so much to so many whose lives have been uplifted and comforted by the “sense of security and ritual that Mister Rogers had always given them,” as is communicated in this book. Some have referred to him as “Mother Teresa in a cardigan.”
Hollingsworth shares that “Fred’s intention was never to impose his beliefs on his viewers. Instead, he wanted to create an atmosphere, one that would allow viewers to feel safe and accepted.” Children and adults alike have been helped by his simple messages of acceptance and encouragement. “Looking back” one reminiscent writes, “it is fair to say he was total cornball.” But with the benefit of hindsight, the writer adds, “and growing up in a single-parent home, I’ll tell you this: I needed the cornball…. I needed to know someone was there for me twice a day, for 30 minutes at a stretch, to devote himself just to me.”
These past two weeks of reading through The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers has helped focus my attention on what children need. Kids need security and acceptance, and they also need to see the importance in taking time in relationships and appreciating those who have helped them.
How can you communicate acceptance to your little one? How can you encourage them to appreciate those who have helped them?
Have a fantastic weekend, and I’ll see you soon to start next week off with another Nugget!