Be Where Your Feet Are #7

Put Good Things Into the World  

The annual “Back to School Dinner” in the O’Neil house was in full effect last week – white chicken chili paired appropriately with a brownie decorated like a No. 2 pencil; Dad gave a traditional Blessing; Mom distributed “Goal Worksheets” and we waited for the groans and eyerolls to subside and poignant conversation to ensue – which it did. 

As my daughters have become older, these moments have become more reflective, more important and more meaningful for me. The theme for this school year is ‘Be Good, Do Good,’ and is a good direction for our middle schooler, high schooler and sophomore in college.  

Teachers and students, parents and children. We need each other, now more than ever. Today’s tests may be jarring, uncomfortable – but the lessons compelling, remarkable and lasting. In the face of all the division, angst, strife, frustration and isolation; there is so much opportunity for acts of service, kindness and love. Thinking good and being good is no longer enough. We must do good. 

And so I leave you with the same question with which we began and ended our “Back to School Dinner.” How will you be good and how will you do good? The answers from my daughters, below, fills my heart with hope, and seems like the best place to start: 

-Seek out those with positive energy; spend more time with them. 

-Prioritize stillness everyday whether through prayer, meditation, yoga – true stillness. 

-Find someone to serve every day – a smile, text, virtual hug – but be purposeful. 

-Identify three things to be grateful for everyday and write them down. 

Do good. Be good.  

SMO