I Want To Be Like Mr Rogers!

There are only two famous people that brought me to tears when I heard of their passing: Walter Payton and Mr Rogers. Its not that I don’t care about other renowned people that I have never met. Its just that these two men in particular had an impact on me and my tears were because they would never again be able to contribute to the world being a better place by their being alive.

Walter Payton, nicknamed Sweetness, played for the Chicago Bears for thirteen seasons. When he ran down the side line to catch the ball and then take it in for a touchdown he made it look effortless, like a dance, with his long legs stretching out in front of him. He wasn’t a saint, just a really good player that made football seem elegant! I was sad to know I’d never get to see him strut down the sideline again.

Mr Rogers had a much deeper impact on me. I don’t remember watching him as a child, but I watched him religiously with my boys when they were little. He taught us how crayons were made and where mushrooms grew. He taught us that it was ok to be afraid. He showed us that you should always stay true to the truth and stand up for what you believe in. He wasn’t loud, or bossy or even very cool. But he had a kindness that seemed to literally glow around him. It seemed like everyone that came into his orbit received a small piece of heaven during their interactions with him.

Recently, a documentary film came out showing us all another glimpse of the man that, for many, became a surrogate parent or grandparent or kindly neighbor. I took myself to see the movie in the middle of the week during the day a couple of weeks ago. At first, I was the only one in the theater. Soon, about 50 other people were seated in the theater waiting to be reminded of a childhood where things were simpler, kinder and gentler.

Since it was a documentary, I didn’t think it would play in theaters long because I felt the audience for a film about a kind man who wanted children to feel good about themselves would surely be limited. After all, we live in an enlightened time when movies and videos have glitz and color and explosions! Today a simple show with hand puppets and non-actors showing up just to chat with a soft spoken man in a sweater would never make it past the initial story pitch!

And yet, this quiet little film has brought in over $12 million dollars in it’s first 4 weeks! I’ve seen multiple posts on social media from people raving about the film and recommending it to any and all. I’ve talked to people that saw it and we start talking about our memories of the show and how it felt to have such an example of goodness in our lives. And, to a person, everyone always comes away with the same thought…..I miss him! I miss how he made me feel. I miss the times that parents and children would sit together and watch and then have dinner discussions about what they learned.

Mr. Rogers had a vision and a passion for spreading kindness to the world. He wanted us all to learn to stand together rather than apart. He felt that the ability to laugh at our mistakes and not feel as though we couldn’t go on because we messed up….again…..was a gift and he wanted to make sure that each and every one of us received that gift!

Fred Rogers believed in a God that cared for His creation. He felt his calling was to be an example of the kind of world this could be if we all shared that belief and cared for each other, even if only a tiny portion, as much as our God loves us. Believers and non-believers alike were impacted by a life that was lived out simply, kindly and gloriously dedicated to making the world a better place!

I’m so thankful that I’ve been reminded of how I want to live my life and how I want to be remembered after I’m gone. I want my life to be simple and kind and a glorious reminder that God loves me and God loves you just the way we are and really, that is all that matters!

I want to be like Mr. Rogers! What about you?