November 26th, 2015
Thanksgiving seems like a natural time to reflect on the golden rule: to love thy neighbor as thyself.
I grew up in Pittsburgh during the 70s, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was my favorite show. Fred Rogers lived in Pittsburgh too, and it felt like I was visiting with a kind neighbor every afternoon.
In his simple and elegant way, Mister Rogers helped me understand what it means to truly love thy neighbor as thyself.
First, he made sure I knew that I am special. Second, he taught me that my neighbor is anyone I am with. Third, I learned that it is reciprocal. If I am special, then the people I happen to be with at any moment – my neighbors – must be special too.
Later today, as we sit around the table with our friends and family and give thanks, I will be thinking about how lucky I am to work with so many special people across the state of Alabama as we work together to break down the barriers to prosperity.
Thank you for being my neighbor.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Kristina