tomorrow

Hi everyone!  Wanted to remind you that More than more will be hanging out tomorrow night - 11-29-12 - at McAllister Center - just off 20th and Schuyler ave, Lafayette, from 6:45-8:00pm - great, free activities for all ages, as always

Just to Remind You

Hey everyone!  Don't forget More than more will be hanging out this Thursday night, November 15th, at McAllister Recreation Center, just off 20th and Schuyler Ave, Lafayette, from 6:45-8:00 - we hope to see you there!

All are welcome and there are free activities for all kids too.

Love Your Feet - That's not Fair!!

Wow! How many times have I heard that from my kiddos?? Oh wait how many times have I said that myself- eek. There is this huge misconception in life that everything should be fair. With many believing that fair means equal treatment- equal opportunities- equal gifts- equal pay- equal time- equal everything. Well its bologna. I mean really how realistic is that?? Now don’t get all worked up yet- listen to what I have to say please. I am not saying fairness is a bad thing. There are many areas where fairness is great. I just believe is often misunderstood.

My son’s teacher sends home a paper every week to keep parents in the loop. What’s coming up, ideas to help our children, learning activities, all kinds of great information. Well one paper had a little message about fairness and when I read it I immediately cut it out and hung on my bulletin board to always remember. Fair is not about everyone’s expectations being met- but about their needs being met.

Now when Matt and I met we agreed to strive for fairness between our kids. Silly us thought that meant doing everything the same for them. If Ella got special Daddy time- then Drew should get special Mommy time. If Drew got a gift so did Ella. If one needed shoes- the other should get some too. Stupid I know. See the thing is we were not focusing on their individual needs but their wants. We were so worried one would feel left out or less important that we were blind to the obvious truth. They are each uniquely special and have very different needs.

I notice this everywhere around me- not just at home. I’m sure you do too. But why? Why are we so consumed with equality? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with needs? Shouldn’t we rejoice when we see needs met? Yet we all have this selfish nature about us- If Eve gets an apple from the tree then I want one too. If my brother inherits the family fortune then I deserve some too. I was first in line. I deserve that. Life’s not fair.

Yesterday I helped at the More than More Love Your Feet shoe giveaway. Honestly my favorite day of the year. I just love the whole idea. So much generosity, so much love, so much gratitude, so much teamwork, so many smiles, just amazing. Yet can be emotionally and physically draining. This was only my second year participating in this outreach. I am still learning the ins and outs. Well I messed up by being unfair. There was a super nice gentleman that came in to sign up for shoes. He signed up early regardless of his last name and explained he needed to pick up at the early time because he had to go to work. No big deal, right? Well when this gentleman came back to get his shoes there was a long line and not all the shoes were ready. Our team was doing the best we could taking names and checking orders. I spotted my new friend pretty far back in the line and knew he would never make it to work on time if I did not help him. So I went and found his shoes and took them to him skipping others. Wow- you would think I gave away the last pair of shoes. People were not happy. “She skipped me” “I was here first” “I have been waiting” Grrrr. I had no intention to hurt anyone or of not helping those waiting. I just wanted to help. And ya know what he was so grateful he just had to hug me. Made his day that someone noticed him- remembered him- gave him free shoes- no judgment- just love. And that is what we were there for. So naturally I got a little annoyed at those complaining. I thought really- do you want the shoes- then hush and I will get them- I’m doing my best. I bit my tongue from snapping- told our fearless leader to step in and say something to calm the waves I so unfairly made. And of course he did in a gentle yet bold way. It was amazing how the atmosphere changed. See many of those in line had been wronged in there life. Many had experienced real unfairness. They were used to having to fight for everything. So when they we reassured that we cared and we would make sure their needs were met- things changed. I saw a verbally angry gal switch from spewing nasty comments to laughing and joking with me. I saw her feel important that I took the time to actually stop and talk to her and keep making contact with her- not avoiding her. I saw people I met at sign up smile when I welcomed them back and did my best to remember their names. And that is why I love the shoe outreach. We are not just giving shoes away. We are serving a need with love. Did we meet everyone’s expectations??? NO- not even close. But we did treat hundreds of strangers with real love- not something you can find in a shoe store.

More than More invites you to join us Thursday November 15^st at 6:45- 8:00 pm at McAllister Recreation Center just off 20^th and Schuyler Ave- Lafayette. As always awesome free child care/activities provided for all ages.