Play School. What more do we really need?
Today, I have a somewhat weighty question for you: What does the world need more of? What does our nation need? What do we need?
I’ll be honest with you. I am a history lover, and in the past elections I have watched most all coverage of all the debates. In the past I have been an advocate for children watching important historical events. No, I wasn’t the child who was excited to turn in an assignment the next day. I am just a believer that children should know what’s going on and who our nation’s leaders are (and local leaders). However, I have grown appalled at the conduct that is considered acceptable at these events. The disrespect, the language, the bullying, really?!?! What example are we passing on to our kids? And we are questioning why they are bullying one another? And why mental health is effecting children younger and younger each year? Breaking news: They only have the experience that you give them. If I am constantly talking negative about every person, place, and things I am confronted with- so will they. I have 35 years experience of this wacko world, and attempting to navigate it with integrity – I am responsible to watch my mouth and my actions. Okay – my rant is over – Although I could go on about children and the examples we are setting for them. 😕
Let’s just make clear – I didn’t watch the debate last night, nor do I want to go back and watch it. 1. It was past my bedtime. 2. When it came on and everyone was yelling over everybody else, I just have no patience for any of that. It was out of hand. I promise I am not going political – I am just stating this because for my history loving heart, it is heart-crushing that this is our reality as a nation at the moment.
All this has got me thinking: What has changed? How did we get here? Where do we go from here?
Well, most importantly, these days I’ve been walking around saying aloud and seemingly to the air, “Jesus, we need YOU! Please Jesus!” Because honestly, He is the answer, period. And I’m really not sure what else to pray!
Something occurred to me this morning though, we are making this way too complicated, let’s take it all back to play school. Jesus was so right about children – we give them simplest rules and they know to apply them across so many situations and circumstances. My niece and nephew always knew before we went into a store or restaurant or any place other than home, that I was going to go through these rules: What are our eyes for? Looking. And our hands? To keep to ourselves. What about our ears? Listening. Obeying, first or second time? First. And if that doesn’t happen? Consequences. Our Voices? Talking. What about our feet? Walking. Under the table. What does considerate mean? I matter and you matter. Everyone around me matters. (Why did I stop reviewing these questions with them? When did I assume they didn’t need reminding? When did I think I didn’t need reminding anymore? Whoops!)
Simple. No Fluff. And to the point.
In the spirit of back to school and kids rules, I wrote some rules for What I believe we need a little more of right now 😊 Maybe you will agree or can even add some 💕
- Take Turns
- Wait quietly. Look and Listen to the person who is talking to you.
- When it is your turn, look and speak to the person you are talking to.
- Consider each others thoughts.
- Sometimes you may have to agree to disagree.
- No yelling
- No speaking over one another.
- No arguing.
- Keep hands and feet to yourself.
- No fighting, wrestling, punching, etc.
- No pointing or inappropriate hand gestures.
- Be considerate.
- Cover your mouth with your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
- When sick, stay home. You are not a hero when you are spreading germs.
- No bullying.
- Have self-control.
- Nobody likes ugly.
- Clean Up after yourself.
- You make the mess – you clean it up. Immediately, not “in a minute,” or “later.”
- Be a helper, not a hinderance.
- Be kind and respectful.
- Please and thank you is a nice place to start.
- Watch you words and actions. THINK: Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind?
- LANGUAGE! There are so many words in the dictionary and thesaurus, look them up. Seriously. PLEASE!
- Use your Head.
- Simply think before you speak or act.
- Be reasonable and responsible.
- Ask for help if needed.
- Apologize when necessary.
- Take action, if need be.
- Excuse yourself from a situation, because it’s the right thing to do.
- Take a nap!
- Have some rest time.
- Read.
- Sleep.
- Breathe.
- Go and take some pictures of what makes you heart sing.
- Take some time to do something that lightens your load.
That’s a wrap! Not that any presidential candidates will read this, but we can start a spark! You never know what might happen! 😂
Life Book of the Week: United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds, Their Stories, Their Glories, by Hudson Talbott – I have always loved history- but it really began to grow in high school when I was able to read what sparked my interest – children’s books! Bet you couldn’t have guessed that one! I encourage you, if you have a love for history, or have a child that is interested in history, there is an abundance of children’s books on just about any subject! But honestly the best history books are found in independent book stores. Search for them everywhere. And look for local authors. I recently visited one in downtown Lexington, VA – Downtown Books – found some FABULOUS books, especially VA history! Instagram: @downtownbookslexva. Also, they were voted one of the best independent bookstores in the south:
