I watched the film, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” a few weeks ago (HIGHLY recommend it!), and one scene in particular has really stuck with me.
Mr. Rogers is talking to the journalist, Lloyd Vogel, about what’s important, who’s important. He stops and says, “Do you know what’s most important to me right now?”
Vogel just shrugs. He’s still not sure Mr. Rogers is really as great as everyone believes he is.
Mr. Rogers looks at him and says, “Lloyd Vogel is what’s most important to me right now.”
Rogers backs up his words by his actions – he sits still, leans in, really listens to Lloyd. He wants to know about his childhood, his family, his interests and dreams. Later, he’s seen visiting him, calling him, praying for him.
I almost said “Amen” right then.
I know it’s a fictionalized version of the Vogel story (but, like the wife’s character, I say, “Don’t you ruin my childhood!” by speaking badly of Mr. Rogers). But the sentiment, whether he said it or not, is so true. It’s something I needed to hear, something I need to work on.
I walked out the theater asking myself, “Am I really present for people?” I love the other kind of present – getting gifts, giving gifts, shopping for gifts – but what about being present? I’m not great at that. My brain moves fast, and I’m often having other conversations or planning other moments in my mind, when I should be focused on the person or task in front of me. I should make those I come in contact with feel like they are special, valued, and loved.
This season, rather than getting so caught up in physical presents, I want to give the gift of being fully present with others.
Jesus gave us the best example of this, when He became present with us 2000 years ago. As we celebrate His birth, let’s reflect His character and give the gift of our presence today.
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil. 2:4
