It's a Beautiful Day in This Neighborhood

“It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood” is perhaps one of the most well-known lines in the history of children's television. For over 30 years, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood would open with the man himself, Fred Rogers, coming through a door and making this simple, but powerful proclamation as part of the opening song to his show. No matter who you were or where you were from, you were welcomed to a beautiful neighborhood full of positivity and encouragement. When I think about the inspirational way Fred Rogers was a light in the lives of so many children, I can't help but be inspired to try being a better person. However, it can be hard to look up to someone as successful as Fred Rogers without feeling intimidated. While very few people may ever come close to having the impact Mister Rogers did, what are some key attributes of this man we can all carry with us?

"He used his platform to give hope to children who struggled like he did..."

Fred Rogers’ journey to television was not exactly easy or conventional. Rogers had shared in interviews over the years that he was bullied due to his weight as a child and really struggled. He kept to himself and didn't make many friends until high school. After graduating high school, Fred went to seminary and became a pastor. While he never served as the pastor of a church, Fred combined what he learned from challenges he faced as a child with his seminary education to produce a show that would make a difference in the lives of millions. He used his platform to give hope to children who struggled like he did while also giving his viewers a picture of what Christian love looks like. This verse from Colossians really highlights the beauty of Mister Rogers’ message:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

While the nature of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was relatively simple, it had great power. Fred Rogers talked to his viewers about kindness, compassion, and forgiveness as if he was sitting right there in the room with them. His ability to be so genuine is legendary and inspires action. Personally, learning about people like Fred Rogers has impacted my life in a very positive way. While we may never reach the masses of people he did, his example is a great reminder of how contagious kindness, compassion, and forgiveness can be. If someone who was bullied and lived a lonely childhood could rise up and make a significant impact on the world, why can't we?

"The beauty of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was the way Fred showed us we all have opportunities to be a light in the world."

The beauty of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was the way Fred showed us we all have opportunities to be a light in the world. We can all be kind. We can all be a little more patient and show compassion to others. We can all work to forgive those who have hurt us. We all have an opportunity to be a light in a world full of dark places. Regardless of how challenging life may get, I hope you remember Mister Rogers and are inspired to be a positive light in your home, your community, and the world at large.