If you only see one movie this holiday season I would encourage you to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. This movie is based on the life of the one and only Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood fame. I remember watching his shows with the boys and the Pittsburgh connection was a nice thing when we lived in Monaca, Pennsylvania. Watching the show did make me feel like we were neighbors.
I won’t ruin the movie for you by telling you much about it other than sharing a trailer at the end of this post but suffice it to say it is a keeper. Every once in awhile there are movies like Peanut Butter Falcon that inspire and touch my heart and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood did the same thing.
What can you say about a man who loves the hearts of children, who wants to ease any and all pain that they may encounter in their lives and who truly has a heart and compassion for all people? Not enough. I think what inspired me so much about this movie was the representation of Mr. Rogers as a listener. He did not hurry anyone to share. He waited. He listened. He responded but when he responded he focused on THAT person. Not on himself. Not sharing stories about how he had experienced a similar thing but fully focused on that individual with whom he was talking. Tom Hanks did an amazing portrayal of him in all ways.
What a great world it would be if we could all take a lesson from Mr. Rogers and just listen. Make the time to sit down and just listen. I truly believe it could make our world a much better place. Even if you don’t venture out to see the movie why not give listening a try this week? I think it could change your life and the lives of those you encounter.
