One thought that Mr. Rogers said in the movie to the reporter with whom he was interacting in conversation about the reporter’s relationship with his alcoholic father who had abandoned him…..as they sat in the restaurant and had a time of silence to be thankful for the people who had made them who they are, even the people who failed to love us well, contributed to who we are. That is true. We learn as much from those who have hurt us as from those who have loved us well, it seems….. what not to do, how to avoid hurting others, how to express love and empathy out of the wounded places in our own souls. Mr. Rogers learned it. It’s part of what made him such a good and patient teacher. Henri Nouwen learned it. He called them wounded healers. Many in recovery learn it. And become better because of it. But we must let go of the anger, bitterness, and hurt first. And embrace gratitude, hope, love, joy, peace, and the other attributes of Christ to live into the potential that God’s plan holds for us and get beyond as much of the mess we’ve made of our lives as we can. This is at the heart of forgiveness.
Titus 2 friends and I went to the Sunday matinee to see Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood the weekend after Thanksgiving 3 years ago …… a very sweet movie, redemptive, relational movie. Good for our women to see. A life recovery lesson, for sure.