Modeling

For your consideration…

Yesterday I watched via Facebook a celebration of life service for a dear sweet child, Vivian Rose, who died from DIPG at the start of the Covid shutdown. The service was sad and beautiful, with laughter and tears. Her parents honored her well.

Several times it was mentioned by various people, Vivians love of books. She loved to be read to. She would have people read a book over and over until she could read it herself. This isn’t fun for a reader but Vivian was smart. This is actually a strategy we use in school to teach students to read. The repetitive reading helps students pick up vocabulary faster…in a fun way. We find children modeling our tone and mannerisms they have also picked up as we read to them.

Today’s message is about modeling behavior. Not long ago we had a message on “fake it until you make it.” Modeling is a technique to do just that. We may not be proficient, know how to do somthing, know the right strategy or actions, but often we can recognize them when we see them. We can observe them through various ways and then model them. Consider this “model” on modeling behaviors;

We may be reluctant to model behavior because we consider it copying. Once again that is an attitude. Instead consider modeling as a high compliment. Modeling is one more ripple in the pond that spreads out for our highest good and the highest good of all.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my nxt step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Model the behavior you want in yourself.

What made me smile yesterday…

-Rain off and on still let us get outside for part of the day.

-Catching up with my brother, Gordie.

-Vivian’s celebration of life service.

-Finished a book.

-Texting with Janet.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev.Chris