Deep, Simple, and Local
Ray and I spent most of the 4th of July weekend nursing very uncomfortable viral congestion, so most of our activities were quiet and peaceful. We didn’t enjoy the sickness, but we did enjoy the peace and quiet.
I especially enjoyed reading Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: A Visual History, while I enjoyed using a die-cut wooden bridge bookmark I got in Pittsburgh last October . . .
when we went there to explore all things Mr. Rogers.
I wasn’t surprised when I read that Mr. Rogers didn’t want his shows to be flashy. He preferred “deep and simple.” I like that.
On Saturday night, we drove to the Gainesboro Square to watch our local fireworks show from inside our car so that we wouldn’t contaminate anyone with our germs. We arrived almost an hour and a half early to get a great parking place. We rolled our windows down just enough to stay cool enough and listened to the live music on the nearby stage. I kept reading about Mr. Rogers. It was perfect.
I enjoyed seeing the fireworks display above the tops of familiar downtown buildings. I texted a picture to a friend, saying:
“Maybe not the biggest fireworks display, but it’s ours. I’m so proud of these local folks!”
She texted back:
“I like it! Sometimes too much is too much.”
She’s right. I think Mr. Rogers would agree.
I have two ideas I want to share in relation to my local and Mr. Rogers experiences of this past weekend.
One: One of the goals of Mr. Rogers’ life was to be a good neighbor to everyone he met—through television and face to face. In this electronically connected world, we must be purposeful if we are going to get to know and bless our local neighbors. They need us and we need them. We often want to change the world or to change our country, but we can often be most effective simply by getting to know and serving our neighbors. If everyone did that, imagine what a different country and world it would be.
Two: Isn’t it wonderful that, as a homeschooling mama, you have so many opportunities for deep and simple moments with your children.
Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I get up;
You understand my thought from far away.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, Lord, You know it all.
You have encircled me behind and in front,
And placed Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.
Psalm 139:1-6
If you are interested in reading more about how you can explore all things Mr. Rogers in and around Pittsburgh, here are links to posts about our trip there in October 2021.
Memories of Mr. Rogers at the Heinz of Pittsburgh
A Rainy Day in Mr. Rogers’ First Neighborhood
You Are Rare and Unique and So Are Your Children