I love that at Sunday School yesterday the teacher brought up Martin Luther King Jr. and asked the kids to think of him today when they were off of school. To remember him and to be kind and friendly to others. I also loved that when the teacher asked questions about the day that darling daughter raised her hand and did a great job explaining who Martin Luther King Jr. was. Way to go darling daughter! Yes, I sometimes hang out in the corner during her class doing my own bible study but it is hard not to listen in here and there.With that said, I think today is the perfect day to remind myself, and others, that it is important to be kind to others and more importantly, sometimes we need to put others before ourselves. As a mom I am sure many other moms get this. We tend to do it to the extreme sometimes. I think mothers often forget that yes, they still do need to take care of themselves. I still cringe from the guilt I felt many times going out to run when darling daughter wanted me to stay. In fact, yesterday as I "mourned" the race I couldn't run darling daughter was quick to let me know we got to spend more time together. Yes, that was indeed wonderful and I was quick to remind her later that more time together doesn't mean more sass.
But seriously, I truly feel an individual can find more happiness and peace by putting others first, by thinking of what others need, by helping others, and by giving back to the community. If this wasn't the case, why would there be so many volunteer opportunities? Why would so many elders in our community volunteer after retirement? Why would I see on a daily basis a handful of volunteers coming back into my office to help day in and day out? Why?
Because people do want to make a difference. We do! Don't you?
I know I do and if I focus too much on personal goals I begin to feel pretty empty inside. Yay! I achieved this goal but in all reality, does it matter? Does it make a real impact on society? At the end of the day (aka my life) will I be, yay! I achieved that personal goal? I'm not convinced.
I am more convinced that I will remember the people who came into my life and who made a change in me through their loving impact on my life. I really hope I will remember the times I gave to others in need and hopefully helped lift a soul that needed some extra love, patience, and kindness.
We are blessed to live when there is no more segregation but I can't say there is complete acceptance. To be honest, I was about to type we have integrated schools but do we? I couldn't help but pause my fingers over my keyboard when I thought of Toby and Down syndrome and the fight for inclusion for those with disabilities. We have come a long way, don't get me wrong, but we still have so much further to go.
Who will you reach out to today and help...even if it is just the gift of your smile?
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful to have Toby in my life as my running buddy.
Daily Bible Verse: We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ~ Romans 15:1
