An Important Reminder

The lead-in question for the children being interviewed on the TV program was a traditional one: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” One little boy made googly eyes, bobbed his head, and said, “I want to be a clown!”

“Ah,” said the host, “and do you want to be rich?” The seven-year-old thought for a moment, then a broad grin stretched across his face. “No, I just want to be a clown. I want to make people laugh.”

The same question was asked of a small girl with dark, luminous eyes and a shy smile. Without hesitation she said, “I want to be kind.”

Kindness and laughter. The children’s simplicity and sureness had caught the essence of two of the most important things in life. They shocked me into taking a good hard look at myself. For the past months, my goals had me forging ahead through the stress of many deadlines, cross-country travel to conferences, and trying to get everything done even if it meant being impatient and crabby. I certainly hadn’t focused on being kind or making those around me laugh.

I decided to lighten up. I found a small ladybug sticker in my desk, stuck it on my face like a beauty spot, and went to the market. I noticed people grinning. It not only cheered them up, but their response cheered me up!

I bought a bunch of whimsical greeting cards to keep in what I now call my “cheer drawer.” These are handy to send to someone who needs a touch of laughter and loving-kindness. Sometimes, as a reminder, I put one through the mail to myself!