Good Things Jar

Last week's tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut is utterly heartbreaking and the loss those families have suffered, especially this month full of holiday traditions, is unimaginable.  I have sent up countless prayers on behalf of those mourning the loss of a loved one and for those who witnessed first-hand the evil I didn't know existed up until last week...and for their loved ones who will now have to walk beside them as they process it all. 

It is natural to think about the evil in the world after a tragedy such as Sandy Hook Elementary's.  But for the sake of my heart, my sanity, and especially my family, I need to start looking for the good.  And there were many heros in that school...and in our lives around us!

As the wise Mister Fred Rogers, after whom this blog is named, said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.'  To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

In 2013, my family is starting a new practice of writing down all of the good things we witness and that happen to us...and then we'll place them in our family Good Things Jar.  At the end of the year we'll read through the jar and see all of the beautiful events we've had the pleasure of being a part of.

An empty jar and some blank paper would make a great holiday or birthday gift! Or, this could be a great thing to do during your child's school year...and then they can read through them on the first day of summer vacation.

However you use this idea, I believe it's important to focus on the awesomeness around you and that a grateful life is the happiest kind of life you can live.

PS - Don't forget to pay some of that awesomeness forward!