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| This picture depicts a man pulling a very large stone heart with a string. The quote says "Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" - Ian MacLaren |
I facilitated a discussion among a small group of parents about a month ago on the nature of parenting and raising a child in the UU faith. Afterwards, I was asked why I did not speak about my own parenting experience. I explained that these types of situations are always hard for me, as the DRE, I never quite know where the line is between being a member of the community and being an employee. But, there is another reason too - as the mother of a former micro preemie who now has multiple special needs, I am often pitied. People see my situation from the outside and they see pain and loss. They envision a world of sorrow and they say "Thank goodness that isn't us." They view my life from the outside and say "Well, at least my troubles aren't that bad." And, while I do not fault anyone for saying these things - I used to say these things before I knew better - the moment these thoughts enter someones mind, they become a barrier. Almost instantaneously, my experience prevents people from giving voice to their own 'hard battles.'
Now, let me re-iterate Ian MacLaren's point - We are all in need of kindness because every single one of us facing hardship. Life is difficult for everyone! So, then, what is our responsibility as Unitarian Universalists? What can we do to help lighten the load for someone? Well, weren't you reading? Just be kind!
Pinterest Pick of the Week
Take What you Need
Faith Formation Component
Context / Calling
Time for Activity
0.5 - 2 hours
Recommended Age
Kindergarten and Up
Materials
Computer / Printer - or-
Copy Paper and craft materials
Activities
Context / Calling, in short, is all about how you live your UU values out in your community. With that, you may think that Context / Calling is all about the big gestures, such as attending rallies or volunteering. And, certainly, there is an element of that. But, I would say Context / Calling has more to do with the little gestures - small acts of kindness, and the way you choose to live your life day in and day out - than the big gestures. So, today's activity is all about small acts of kindness, particularly, 'Take what you Need' fliers. Have you seen these?
There are fliers that provide positive thoughts, such as this one featured on Kind Over Matter.
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| This positive thought flier encourages people to take a positive thought such as 'I communicate with love,' and 'Complain less, breath more.' |
Or this affirmation flier at DIY Craft List.
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| This flier reminds people that they are 'amazing' and encourages them to take an affirmation such as 'You are worth it.' and 'You are loved.' |
Or, this attributes flier from Creative Market.
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| This flier asks people to take an attribute which they need, such as 'Courage' and 'Passion.' |
All of these fliers can be downloaded for free from their original sights. And, so this weekend, you may just want to do that - download, print, and cut one or several of these fliers, then put them up wherever people will see them (the supermarket bulletin board, the light pole on the street corner, your company's kitchen, etc.). Or, you may want to make your own using some copy paper and craft material.
Here are some discussion questions you may wish to explore with your children as you do this activity:
- What does it mean to be Unitarian Universalist?
- How do our beliefs influence our actions?
- What are some ways we can be kind to others every day?
- How do you think people will feel when they take a slip from our flier?
- What slip would you take? Why?
After a day or two, you may want to revisit the places you posted the fliers, just to see if anyone has used them.
Original Sources
All original sources cited above.
See you Sunday!
- Ms. Meredith
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