Moments in Whoville
My fantasy destination is Whoville. You know, the city locked in a speck of dust found by Horton. With great tenacity of spirit this town’s population saved themselves when everyone did their part. This same community, led by the spirit of one small child, nullified the destructive hatred of the Grinch with kindness and joy. Yes indeed, I’d like to visit there, possibly buy some property and eventually join their numbers permanently.
Each weekday I arise early to deliver children safely to school. Near the end of my morning route I stop at a drive. Three beautiful little faces climb the bus stairs and take their seats. (Please note that all my riders are amazing and above average children. If only school personnel in other towns could be as fortunate as I……) They smile, always. They speak greetings and inquire as to the success of my day thus far, then they move on to join their friends. I look forward to seeing them. Secretly, I believe they transport themselves in each day from Whoville. They have whimsy packed in their pockets and radiate an enviable light hearted approach to life. I pray it never ends.
One afternoon not long ago, I encountered the father of my Cindy Lou Who’s. I told him how much his children encouraged me and buoyed my spirit each day. He thanked me for the compliment and then replied he was grateful to know they were living out what he strove to teach them, which is this, “If you only ever achieve one thing in life, let it be kindness.” Okay readers! Read that quote again! It’s good! “If you only ever achieve one thing in life, let it be kindness.” Mr. Whoville went on to say, “If you are kind to others life will give you everything you ever want.” I couldn’t agree more but this is not the philosophy predominantly being taught to American children in the 21st century.
My heart melted. I was so humbled by this parent’s endeavor to instill authentic goodness and generosity of heart in his children. Kindness as a life’s choice, is an unconditional commitment to a positive attitude toward all mankind. It gives without expectation, condemnation or restraint and makes the world a much, much nicer place.
John chapter 15 speaks the words of Jesus as He teaches His disciples they must stay connected to the True Vine if their lives are to produce everlasting fruit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul teaches a young church that the evidence of our connection to this True Vine is the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, KINDNESS, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Jesus modeled kindness in all things. He made it His priority, and so, it must be ours.
Our town is small so I know this little home I speak of is not without its trials and sorrows, but they still choose kindness, peace and joy. I see it daily, I hear it in the air at recess and it echoes in my heart as I return to my own home each evening. They give what I desperately need, a mini vacation to Whoville, also known as, my own little piece of Heaven on earth.
Merry Christmas,
Gretchen