"I just wish you were a better man." Little Big Town

​The other night, my husband and I sat down for a date night.  We’ve been married almost 15 years.  We both work extremely long work hours, in addition to having two kids, juggling housework and other commitments.  I tell you that, to say our “date night” includes staying up late, watching a movie in bed, usually while working on our laptops.  Should you see us in public on a date, start singing!  It’s likely one of our birthdays!  Ha! 
My husband let me pick the movie.  Thank God!  I am not a fan of his go-to, which is sci-fi.  When I was engaged, planning our wedding, I agreed to let my now husband plan our eventual vowel renewal.  Fast forward to today, his plans involve me in a gold bikini with double buns on my head holding a blaster pistol.  The fact that I know the term blaster pistol means I have watched Star Wars way too many times with him over the years.  Pray for me, people!  Back to MY movie choice – I picked Won’t You Be My Neighbor?  If you’re unfamiliar with the title, it’s a documentary on Mr. Rogers.  I learned so much about him that I didn’t know.  For example, did you know he was a minister?  Did you know he shot a series for adults?  Did you know he loved silence on tv?  Did you know he did all of the puppet voices?  The film shared about Mr. Rogers’ backstory, how the iconic show was developed, and how he was such an inspirational person who genuinely loved children and people.
Although there are many impactful quotes that I could share with you, the paramount piece that Rogers said, which stuck out to me was this: “You don't ever have to do anything sensational in order to love or to be loved.”  How much does that statement counter what society instills in us?  You don’t need to earn that next promotion at work to be loved.  You don’t need to be prettier to be loved.  You don’t need to be smarter to be loved.  You don’t need to do xyz to be loved.  Ambition and bettering one’s self are important.  There’s no doubt of that.  But you, just you as you are – you are enough!  You’re valuable.  You are loved!  God loves you!  I love you!  Others love you!
Is there someone in your life that you think feels they need to earn love?  Take the time to share Mr. Rogers’ words with them.  Your words of encouragement hold more weight than you think.