I don’t think I ever watched a full episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as I was growing up, but I certainly knew who Mister Rogers was.
I could even sing you his show’s theme song.
“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor…”
One of a kind, often parodied for his laid back, gentle manner, Fred Rogers was the same person both on screen and off. A pioneer who saw the potential for television to have a positive effect on children’s lives, his show educated and entertained for over 30 years.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood won four Emmy awards for television excellence, but the moment of excellence that I’d like to share with you today is Fred Rogers’ acceptance speech for a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, awarded in 1997.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone move so many people with just a 90-second speech. Take the time to watch it here:
Fred Rogers passed away in 2003. And though I didn’t get a chance to meet him on this side of heaven, I’m pleased to know that one day, he will be my neighbor.
Who did you think about in the 10 seconds of silence?
Things that are Excellent is a regular feature that celebrates “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If you have a feature idea or a guest post that you would like to submit, let us know in the comments below or email your ideas to: excellent@larryhehn.com
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to admit that I watched Ole Fred Rogers’ neighborhoods most every morning growing up. I like that this is a regular feature on your blog, Larry. Way to keep things positive.
Thank you for the encouragement, Stephen!
Larry, like you I probably never watched a full episode, but sure did know who Mr. Rogers was and I could sing part of the tune. Mr. Rogers poise and calm during the speech moving in of itself. I don’t there was a dry eye in the audience. During the 10 seconds I thought about my mom, dad, and others that have had a positive effect in my life. Another excellent “Things that are Excellent”.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..How to achieve high levels of Productivity
I’ve watched that speech several times, and still get teary-eyed. Such a powerful message from such a gentle spirit. Thanks, Juan!
I loved him too. How many gentle souls are left in this world?
It was simple, innocent and pure.
David Rupert recently posted..Before I Die
Well said, David. I couldn’t agree more!
Awesome, AWESOME final line, Larry.
I loved Mr. Rogers and as parent, it tickles me enormously that my children seem to love him, too.
True goodness like his is timeless.
My 10 seconds? My parents, my children…how grateful I am to God, that he gave me to them, and them to me.
Amen, Liz!
Aw, Fred. What a sweetheart…sure miss him and his gentle way. Gets me teary. I just loved watching him as a kid and now my kids seeing old shows. I always felt like he cared about me, too. I knew it was a show but when I got older and found out he was a former minister-it all clicked. I can’t wait to have him for my neighbor, too.
Yep, he was the real deal.
Interesting, I just used this verse from Philippians in my blog post this morning. Maybe God’s trying to tell me something.
I thought of my parents, my youth leaders, and my bosses over the years.
Jon Stolpe recently posted..Take Time To Reflect
I love when that happens – a verse appears in more than one place. It always gets my attention. Glad to have you here, Jon!
I look forward so much to these “Things that are Excellent” posts. You’ve hatched a great idea here. Please keep it up
Tom recently posted..The ‘coons are back
I’d like to take credit for it, but how this feature came about felt more like divine inspiration than an idea of my own. Either way, I’m excited to be part of it, and promise to continue. Thank you very much for the encouragement, Tom!
One of the best books I’ve ever read is, “I’m Proud of You” by Tim Madigan. It’s about his friendship with Mister Rogers. We’ve become friends in real life. It’s funny Larry, we’ve both written blog posts about Mister Rogers.
Lucille Zimmerman recently posted..The Difficult Topic of Abortion
Great post, Lucille! For anyone who wants to have a look, here’s the link:
http://www.lucillezimmerman.com/2012/04/11/what-was-it-about-mister-rogers/