Knowledge

Hey All,

I’m back from my foray to upstate New York, and what fun it was!  I’m glad to be back home, though, enjoying the last of the summer days. 

I was away for over two weeks at a Mennonite home, and I must admit, I came home with an entirely new perspective on life itself.  It’s not the daily things that are important—it’s the connections we make on a deeper, human level that count the most.  When everything is said and done, it is what we will remember all the rest of our lives.  I wanted to share my newly found wisdom with you today.

Have a great weekend, all!

Gifts

As you may already know, new adventures entice me, especially if it involves a different way of life.  This week, I had the privilege of visiting a Mennonite school, where my friend, Ann, teaches.  I have to say it was the most refreshing experience I had for a long time.  Ann teaches a special class, and her kindness and patience with her student amazed and even caused my heart to sing.

After leaving Ann’s classroom, I visited another, and to my amazement, the teacher displayed the same attitude as Ann.  Pondering my own primary school experience, I wondered if my educational quest would have been a more positive journey if the same attitude prevailed.  Leaving the school, I discovered a revelation, maybe one that I knew, but never put it in words.  The acts of kindness and patience carry a special gift to both giver and receiver.  It is a chance for a giver to watch seeds of kindness grow and take root, and the receiver gains the gift of faith, faith to show the world their inner self!  What precious gifts!

The Mennonite Way

Yesterday, I encountered a truly amazing experience.  I had the opportunity to visit with both of my friend Alta’s grandmothers.  It was a perfect afternoon for a ride and and I leapt to get a glimpse of this different and fascinating world.  All the way in the car, I anticipated what conversations we would have; whether I’d be confortable or not.  I already met the one grandmother, but hadn’t the other.

While I visited with one grandmother, then the other, it struck me how our minds conjure misconceptions without even our knowledge.  As long as I remember, I have vigorously fought people’s perceptions of me and tried to display my true nature.  Yesterday, I realized I was guilty of the transgression of labeling individuals.  To my pleasure, I found myself completely comfortable with both grandmothers, even enjoying myself.  Ultimately, they accepted me and I them.  What a refreshing concept!  The world, I think, would be a better place if we followed the Mennonite way, with total acceptance of others.  Maybe someday, that will become our inherant nature.