This morning Facebook reminded me of a post from 2013. I loved Mr. Rogers as did many of you. Here is an edited version of the original post ….
I first discovered Mister Rogers when I had my first born. She was born the summer of 1981. I am not sure exactly when the TV began turning to WGBH but one afternoon, when she was fussy beyond words, I discovered him as he came on immediately after Sesame Street. There was something comforting about watching him come home, take off his sneakers and hang up his sweater.
His voice was calming as he talked gently, telling about his days; teaching us all how to live in this world and somehow make it a better place. His visitors, his puppets, and his trolley all became welcomed into our toddler’s home. And mine as well ……
You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are. (Fred Rogers)
Choice is “the act of choosing” (as defined by dictionary.com). So the question then becomes …. What are we choosing?
We can choose from any number of possibilities. We can pick by preference (Which will I like better?). We can choose by level of ease or difficulty (Which will be the easiest for me to do, to get, to achieve?). We can choose by ambition (What will get me the farthest in life? Or bring me the largest paycheck? Or make a name for myself?).
Choices can either be disappointing or bring us immeasurable joy. We each make choices every day, and probably multiple times a day. Our lives are a composite of the choices made in our lives.
So back to Mr. Rogers for he brings three things to mind this morning …
- We rarely have time for everything. This means that what we do with each day truly does matter. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NIV). We are here but a short time, let’s make each day count.
- You need to make choices. Perhaps the first and most important choice is, “Choose today whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15). This is of our own choosing and personal to each of us. “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” (again verse 15).
- Choices come from a deep sense of who you are. May each and every choice we make stem from knowing that we are His. “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will”. (Ephesians 1:11, NIV).
Yes, Mr. Rogers taught me a few things about making choices. We all have today, a 24 hour segment of time. Exactly what we do with this day is completely up to each one of us. It is our choice.
Let’s make today count!
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart .
This post is awesome. That quote from Fred Rogers is endearing, and I’m pinning it up for motivation today. It’s so easy to lose our sense of self and let precious minutes slip away. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
Happy Wednesday!
#TellHisStory link-up
Megs
I’m still a fan of Mr. Rogers — and I remember watching him as a kid.
He had such a gentle way of saying important things.
Oh Michele, have you not made just the best observation for us all to learn – saying important things in a gentle way makes them so much easier to accept. Now that’s a good word!
I loved Mr Rogers! He was a wise man, indeed.
Love this, great message and I so adored Mr. Rogers, one of my favorite shows growing up as a child and happy I can share him with my children through Amazon!
Jennie, I discovered a sweet animated sort of version on Sprout – Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – which my granddaughter has come to enjoy.
Wonderful post, Joanne! I love that quote from Mr. Rogers and you did a great job of breaking it into three points and finding supporting scripture. Thank you for sharing!
Joanne,
Being a Pittsburgh gal, I am still a big fan of Mr. Rogers! What godly wisdom…we need to make choices and we can’t possibly do it all – so what is the basis of our choices? Great thoughts to ponder. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, when I first read your comment several days, I pondered your question >>> What is the basis of our choices? I return today with somewhat of an answer. When He ignites a passion or a fire in our hearts, we make wiser choices. When I follow my own heart, it is a recipe for disaster. Grateful you shared your thoughts! xo
There are so many good choices to make! I remember watching Mr. Rogers when I was little and there were only 3 channels! He was very soothing! Wise, too! Praying God’s Shalom cover you all through 2017! ~ Maryleigh
Yes, he really was soothing. It amazes me how fondly so many remember and think of his programming. Blessings to you in 2017, Maryleigh!