Sharing Gratitude as Mister Rogers Taught Us

I’m easily influenced by my environment and therefore I’m very careful as to what I expose myself to. For my birthday, my family treated me to “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

I was raised in part in by Mr Rogers.  I am also a product of Pittsburgh.  I have always loved Mr. Rogers.  I imagined living in his neighborhood and in the neighborhood of make-believe.  I remember arguing with my mother about whether he really lived in his living room set.  When my husband’s grandfather passed nearly two months later than him, I knew these soul brothers were meeting.  I envisioned them in Heaven discussing Jim’s great-grandchildren, my son included.  My eyes welled at Heinz History Center when I stood next to his sweater on display at his exhibit.

Yes, I cried.  I cried throughout the movie, but mostly during the end credits when he, the real Fred Rogers, appeared on screen.  I miss that comforting face and soothing voice.  I miss his presence in our world.

The movie profoundly reminded me of Mr. Rogers most sincere patience,  deep appreciation, and genuine grace he extended to others.  Sure he had gratitude for himself, but he didn’t hold onto it.  Today we are bombarded by messages of gratitude and it’s power.  We are told how it’s a cure all for all troubles of our modern living.  That very well maybe.  However, I wonder now in this moment if its true healing power is found when we extend and offer it to others.

Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister.  I know of no other public figure who embodied the works of Christ more accurately than Mr. Rogers, aside from Mother Teresa.

This is the calling.  This is the example.  Holding gratitude in your heart may be game changer, but I’m guessing the game of life improves even more when we share it.  Gratitude is not a personal, private, or selfish mission, rather an act of generosity.

So this morning as I sit under the hairdryer at my local salon, I’m thankful for my time to rejuvenate and heal from the holiday.  My heart is grateful for my blessings and privilege.  I just asked a friend to meet for a walk later.  I’m so grateful that she’s able to meet me and for the time we will have together.  And so, I become prompted to share my gratitude.  I’m prompted to tell her, as Mister Rogers would, “Thank you for answering me and meeting with me,” and “Thank you for sharing your time with me.”

How might our relationships, environments, and world change if we didn’t horde our gratitude?  How would it all change if we added gratitude to the list of what to let go.  This season, may we practice answering the call to having thanks, and more importantly, giving thanks.

Thank you for spending your time reading my work.  May you be blessed with gratitude.