2-18-2022

 

Mary’s Minute

“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all.” 

                                                                          ~ Anonymous

Like many parents, my sister, Amy, often posts first day of school pictures of my adorable niece and nephew.  It makes me smile seeing Jack and Ellie over the years.  What really makes me smile is the advice that my sister gives them each year, “Work hard and be kind.”  Aunt Mary may be a bit biased, but Jack and Ellie are quite accomplished 13 and 15-year olds.  They do very well in school and excel in their current extra-curricular activities:  Ellie in dance and Jack in swimming and water polo, but what sets them apart is that they take their mom's advice and they are kind and hard working!

Much in life is a matter of circumstance.  Some people are born with natural athletic ability or superior intellect.  Some people are given more opportunities than others.  Whether we call it being blessed or fortunate, we must admit that many of us have advantages that were in a sense gifted to us by the universe.  There are advantages (and disadvantages)  that are out of our control.

What we can control is how hard we work and how we treat people.  As Amy says to Jack and Ellie, “Work hard and be kind.” 

How we treat people – all people – matters.  I appreciate educated, talented, rich, and cool people, but what I notice and what counts to me is how we treat people. 

We do not have control over many aspects of our life, but we have power over how we treat people!  It is exciting to know that while we may fall short because of our circumstances, we all have the opportunity to shine by treating each other with kindness.

                                                                       Have a great week!

                                                                                                 Mary