Have you seen the movie ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’? In this movie, an investigative journalist receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). The journalist approaches with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature.

Hanks’ character, Mr Rogers, filled with empathy and kindness eventually impacts on the journalist’s life. During the movie, Mr Rogers suggests to the journalist, who has a toxic relationship with a family member - ‘release that person from your anger’. Children do this far more readily than adults. Their interactions in the classroom and playground can turn quickly from the negative to the positive as they frequently demonstrate the ability to forgive.

Like Jesus, Mr Rogers is a great example of the affect we can have when we are prepared to show kindness and empathy and 'release others from our anger’.

Today we commence the season of Lent. The word Lent originates from a word meaning springtime. Lent is a season of the Church which is the forty days of preparation before Easter where we focus on trying to be a better person. It is also a great opportunity to ‘spring clean’ our attitudes that prevent us from being the best we can be.

God bless

Geraldine