Stranger OOOOO!
I don't know how to start this thought today. Should I apologize? Should try to demonstrate the way I have done things and why? or Should I just start being a better example? I don't know. I just got home from a meeting that has my mind reeling.
While my children were growing up, I fear that we over stressed the importance of not talking to strangers. We spend a great deal of time setting special passwords, warning of scary houses, teaching them what to beware of, what kind of touching is wrong, who can and can't touch, and so on and so forth. I am not sorry that we stressed the importance of these things, but I fear that we might have over done it.
As I watch my children today, I fear that they are now afraid to talk to people, ward members, neighbors, co-workers, or associates. Some of them won't make a phone call to someone they don't know. Some won't go to Primary, Sunday School, or Priesthood when visiting other wards. When I see this, it makes me wonder where I went wrong.
I want to go on the record now saying, that there are times it is ok to talk to strangers. It is ok to talk to people in public places. It is ok. You still need to be cautious, but don't build a wall, paddle lock the doors and shut yourself off from the rest of the world.
I was reminded tonight how important it is that as members of the church we are to be friendly. We should talk to people. We should get to know our neighbors. We should build relationships with co-workers, ward members, and associates. Some times we will be surprised at what kind of friendships will develop from this openness.
I know that my openness some times embarrasses you, but that is ok. Some day I hope you will do the same for your children. Observe people, look for opportunities to help them, talk to them, and be a friend. Thank them for what they do. Make them feel welcome where ever they are. Compliment their clothes, hairs, or acts of kindness. Ask them what their favorite color is. Share yours with them. Talk about the weather. Share a talent or ask them to share one with you.
It is ok and encourage that we talk with those around us. Do it wisely. Enjoy it.
While my children were growing up, I fear that we over stressed the importance of not talking to strangers. We spend a great deal of time setting special passwords, warning of scary houses, teaching them what to beware of, what kind of touching is wrong, who can and can't touch, and so on and so forth. I am not sorry that we stressed the importance of these things, but I fear that we might have over done it.
As I watch my children today, I fear that they are now afraid to talk to people, ward members, neighbors, co-workers, or associates. Some of them won't make a phone call to someone they don't know. Some won't go to Primary, Sunday School, or Priesthood when visiting other wards. When I see this, it makes me wonder where I went wrong.
I want to go on the record now saying, that there are times it is ok to talk to strangers. It is ok to talk to people in public places. It is ok. You still need to be cautious, but don't build a wall, paddle lock the doors and shut yourself off from the rest of the world.
I was reminded tonight how important it is that as members of the church we are to be friendly. We should talk to people. We should get to know our neighbors. We should build relationships with co-workers, ward members, and associates. Some times we will be surprised at what kind of friendships will develop from this openness.
I know that my openness some times embarrasses you, but that is ok. Some day I hope you will do the same for your children. Observe people, look for opportunities to help them, talk to them, and be a friend. Thank them for what they do. Make them feel welcome where ever they are. Compliment their clothes, hairs, or acts of kindness. Ask them what their favorite color is. Share yours with them. Talk about the weather. Share a talent or ask them to share one with you.
It is ok and encourage that we talk with those around us. Do it wisely. Enjoy it.
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