February 19th, 1968 the world made a new friend. That is the date Mister Rogers Neighborhood first aired on television. My guess is that at some point, either as a kid or a parent, you have come across Mister Rogers and his wonderful world of kindness and imagination.
Many people know that Fred Rogers was a Presbyterian minister tasked to continue his work for children, but it may not be common knowledge that he initially went into television because he disliked what he saw on television at the time and wanted to create something better. He used his show as a way to invite children into being curious about the world, sharing ideas and feelings, and creating a safe place. By all accounts, his off-screen persona was the same as the kind cardigan wearing friend I grew up with.
Mister Rogers continues to be an inspiration to me. He was a modern example of the greatest commandments. When a lawyer asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment, he replied: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt 22:37-39
Mister Rogers considered everyone his neighbor and his mission was to be kind. He treated kids as valuable and interesting, he had patience, he taught about feelings. His guests were from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, and ages and each were important. He gave the gift of being present, which is a way of saying ‘you matter’.
It can be hard sometimes to see those folks who are pushing our buttons as a neighbor, and that’s what’s so wonderful and simple about the Mister Rogers plan. Be kind, be curious, be present. Or as he said: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
Take a moment to imagine how wonderful our world would be if we all took even a few moves in the footsteps of Fred Rogers.
It starts with an easy question:
Won’t you be my neighbor?
