There’s a quote I’ve seen from Mr. Rogers quoting his mother about what to do during times of distress: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” This is a good thing to do right now, of course. I’m sure Mr. Rogers would quickly see what the rest of us are seeing: medical professionals risking their lives to protect ours, essential workers still going to their jobs so we can be fed and well supplied and so on.
But what would Mr. Rogers actually be doing?
He’d be doing what he does best: he would produce special shows to address this crisis. He would be furiously writing scripts, editing them, creating the music, all the while keeping his purpose in mind: reassuring his core audience, children.
In other words, he’d be using his God given talents to help in the best way he could help. He wasn’t a doctor so couldn’t care directly for the sick. He wasn’t a paramedic so he couldn’t go in and rescue the most afflicted. He was an educator and his medium was television. He would have shared his heart and told us all that it was all right to be afraid. And he would also tell us to show each other just a bit more love and kindness. And he would be showing just a bit more love and kindness, himself.
I’m not a doctor nor any kind of medical professional. But I can do what I do. I can try and bring you a bit of delight, share some thoughts, bring you a smile. I can show you that I care.
You see, this is what you do for me. When you post on Facebook or Instagram, I can see you are alive, you are healthy and maybe even happy. I can see that you still care. I can see that life still has meaning and can be enjoyed. I can see that life, glorious life, is still beautiful.
So, thank you. And now, I will return the favor. I will try and bring smiles to you, as well, using whatever God given talents I have.