Perspective

Yesterday was spent in a variety of meetings, one of which was also attended by a parade of lobbyists, legislators, the Speaker of the House, and the Governor. Hands were shaken, small talk was made. Yes, the Governor really did shoot a coyote on one of his morning jogs as reported. Long before the meet and greet was over, my feet hurt from standing and keeping a smile on my face was getting a little tedious. All this, and I still had a dinner to sit through. Such is my job.

The good news is that today some really important people are coming to the Capitol, and I get to meet with them, too. It is my granddaughter's kindergarten class. Hannah and 95 other kindergarteners will stop by the Capitol grounds to have lunch on their way to the Austin Children's Museum. Pops is one of the chaperones, and Migi (that's me) gets to come out and visit with them while they eat.

The chatter of the 95 little voices, the trips to the bathrooms, the dirty little hands, and the noses that need to be blown will not cause me to be bored. My feet will not hurt as I walk around with them. It will not be difficult to find things to discuss, because with a kindergartener, the most mundane things can be fascinating topics of conversation. The squirrels on the Capitol grounds, the ants crawling across a picnic blanket or the pecans on the trees all provide great teachable moments for young people. And, the smile on my face when I return to my office will not be one put there by duty, but by joy.

It is easy for adults to misjudge their own importance and that of the people around them. It is a particularly difficult task for many in the political realm due to the prevailing perception that election to public office somehow sets a person apart for special attention. The misconception is validated as people fawn over the elected officials, falsely believing that their own worth increases with the proximity of those elected to power. Elected officials deserve our prayers and our respect. They are not due our worship.

Look around today and consider who the most important people in your life are. Do they know it? Does your schedule reflect their importance to you? If not, what are you going to do about that?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them.
Matthew 18: 1-2

Gotta run! The bus will be here any minute . . .