Nancy Claster, who will forever remain Miss
Nancy in the hearts and minds of her loyal fans as television's original
"Romper Room" teacher, died this past week of cancer. She was 82.
Do you remember Romper Room? Daily televisions
were turned on to find a friendly woman who seemed to be able to see us while
we were in our living rooms using her Romper Room Magic Mirror.
The Romper Room hostess finished each program
by gazing through an empty mirror frame and reciting the names of the children
whom she pretended to see watching the program (a different list of names each
day). For example, “I see Tommy and Cathy and Joe and Vickie and Stan and all
you boys and girls out there.”
During the show, simple life lessons were
taught on things like manners, kindness, and waiting your turn. Sometimes other
life lessons like Stop, Look, and Listen.
That particular message was pretty simple: When
you come to a railroad track, you are supposed to stop, look, and listen until
proceeding on. The goal was to prevent being run over by a train.
As I said, the lesson was simple; so simple
that it was taught to elementary students; which is funny considering the
application wouldn't be applied in their lives until ten years later when they
were drivers!
Yes, the lesson was given specifically for when
one comes to a train crossing. But; and hopefully you figured this out
yourself, the lesson was taught so that it could be applied to other situations
in our lives.
And yet, lately, I have been thinking that many
adults seem to have forgotten that lesson when they got older. I observe too
many adults who are doing way too much talking instead of listening.
I see way too many people in situations in
which they are metaphorically about to be run over, and, they hit the gas
instead of doing what they were instructed to do:
· STOP when you are
entering a dangerous situation.
· LOOK at where you are
about to enter
· LISTEN (that means that
you have to stop talking)
Too many people who fail to see they do not
have to voice their opinions on everything they see posted by others.
Too many people who then pass on their opinions
to all of their friends in the form of a post or video.
Too many people who simply need to stop
posting, stop ranting, stop forwarding, stop insisting that their way is the
only way!
Too many people who simply need to look at who
might be reading their posts, look deeply with eyes of compassion and empathy
at those with whom they have a differing point of view.
Too many people who simply need to listen.
This, of course, implies that one needs to stop talking (including texting,
tweeting, or posting) to do so!
You might be surprised just how much you have
in common with someone you see as your opponent.
9 Let love be without
hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly
affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving
preference to one another; 11 not lagging in
diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing
in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in
prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the
saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not
curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep
with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward
one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the
humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard
for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it
is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do
not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is
written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the
Lord. 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good.
All Scripture taken from the New King James
Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights
reserved.
