If Mister Rogers found himself doing any public speaking, he was known for ending his speeches the same way. He did it at The Emmy’s when the was given the Lifetime Achievement Award and he did it when he was the commencement speaker for Dartmouth College in 2002.
All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are, those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life?
[10 seconds of silence]
Whomever you have been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made.
I wonder if this is the secret source to Mister Rogers’ kindness. Is it gratitude for the kindness you’ve received that motivates you to share kindness with others? Maybe Mister Rogers is wanting people to reflect on they were supported and loved in hopes that they’ll strive to do the same. Think about how you would not be here today if it weren’t for that person that came to mind. How many other people will not get anywhere without your love and support?
This is from another commencement speech Rogers gave that is featured in the documentary, Won’t You be My Neighbor?:
"From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving.”
I truly believe Mister Rogers' unspoken conclusion to all these moments of reflection and gratitude was “go and do likewise."
The apostle Paul makes the same point.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Remember what God has given to you. Remember that you definitely did not deserve it. It’s actually in spite of all you’ve done and who you are that you have been adopted into His family. Remember all that had to be forgiven, and still has to be forgiven. Remember the cross. When you keep all of that in mind, you have no reason to be stingy with your kindness. Why hold out on offering attention and love and gifts of absurd generosity to those who don’t deserve it?