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I saw this picture yesterday on Facebook and thought it beautifully simple and profound. What Mr. Rogers has to say is plain truth. Amid tragedy, and terrible circumstances there are always good, kind people there to pick up the pieces…lending a helping hand and providing a stable shoulder to cry on. It is amazing to watch, isn’t it? There are definitely still so many “helpers”.
In light of the Boston Marathon Bombing, I felt it best to save the recipe I had prepared for today’s post and share a little something else instead.
This is a book I read last week.
“Let It Go” is about a man (Chris Williams) who lives here in my city. Seven years ago his pregnant wife and two children were killed in a car accident by a drunk teenage driver. From the very night of the accident he chose to forgive the boy who was responsible for taking the life of his family members. I have been fascinated by this story from the time I heard reports of it here in the local news. How could any human being have the strength to forgive so quickly, and freely! It was a surprise to me, as I would imagine it to be to most people.
In the book Chris gives detailed explanation. He testifies of Christ and the blessings of forgiveness. While his road has not been easy, his choice to forgive has made the challenges of loss much easier to bear. Instead of embracing anger, hate or revenge he let go of those natural feelings and has taken hold of love, kindness…forgiveness.
I mention (and recommend) this book to you all today simply because, the world can be such a terrible place. There are plenty of reasons to be angry. Seeing innocent people become victim to senseless terrorism is so frustrating! Most of us shake our heads with the words “why” rolling over and over in our minds. I haven’t ever been able to come up with a sufficient answer to that question. Have you? I don’t know why these things happen. What I do know is, I want to be one of the “helpers”. I want to choose love and kindness. I hope to follow Chris Williams example of charity.
You can watch a video on the Mormon Channel called “My Burden Was Made Light” about Chris and his family. Click here, or on the picture above to see it.
I would love to give a copy of “Let It Go” to two of you dear readers. To enter just leave me a comment below telling me something good! It can be an act of kindness you have witnessed. It can be something sweet your child did or said. It can be something good you would like to do for someone else. What ever you choose. 🙂 The giveaway will be open through Sunday night (April 21st). Winner will be announced Monday morning (April 22).
My family and I are praying for those of you effected by the terrible Boston Marathon Bombing. May you feel the love of God supporting you during this difficult time.
I am always looking for the good. I think it’s too easy to see the bad and if we focus a little more on the helpers and a little less on the criminals then maybe we’ll see less about what’s bad in a tragedy and more about the miracle that is people (strangers, even) coming together and opening their hearts. My eight-year-old stepdaughter prides herself on being a good friend to everyone, and to reminding her friends that her circle of friendship extends to everyone, even the special needs kids. She doesn’t view these children as being any different (as she shouldn’t) and makes sure to include everyone when it’s time to play or have a birthday party. She asked if we could participate in an Autism Speaks run because she would like the parents of autistic children to have more money so they can (in her words) have helpers and special things at home to help. There is a girl in a wheelchair in her class as well and my stepdaughter eagerly participates in school fundraisers so they can have an all-abilities playground because right now at recess, she wheels the girl around so they can all play together but it would be more fun if the girl could be on the playscape as well. It makes my heart swell to see this kind of care for others and love for all in an eight-year-old.
Listening to my kids play together in the other room while I fold laundry is one thing that instantly brightens my day (even if it only last 10 minutes)
Three weeks ago we were walking those same streets in Boston. We were there for the World championships of Irish dance. One of our dancer’s mom paid for one of our hotel nights. That was a really kind gesture.
No matter how bad my day is, I know that my dog will always bring a smile to my face with her unconditional love.
I would love to read that book. It’s been on my library lists, I just haven’t put it on hold yet. I see good, simple things all the time. It doesn’t have to be a big thing at all – but I love it when someone lets me know I did a good job at something. Just this week I got a couple of uplifting emails praising something that I did. It just brightened my day and I am still smiling thinking about them. I like to do the same thing, especially for the youth. We recently saw a middle school play and I sent thank you notes to all the kids I knew it. I hope it brightened their day to get one as much as it made my day to write them.
When my little 4 yr old says his heart feels better because of a song or something that brings comfort to him and I can see him experiencing the spirit working in him.
Knowing that every day is a blessing since me and mine are here to enjoy it.
We pray in the Our Father “…forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…” We will be forgiven to the extent that we forgive others. This author seems to know the lesson well. Blessings to him and peace to the souls of his family.
My son told me last night how much he really appreciated me. He went on to tell me things about how I have been there for him as he has grown up…things I didn’t realize were “that important” at the time. To hear him tell me he loves me and appreciates all I have done/do for him was like the icing on the cake to know I’ve raised a great child.
The thing that brings such joy to me today is the look on my 5 year old son’s face when he get’s his letter’s “right”. I am so thankful for good teachers who touch our children’s lives in way we cannot.