Mother, May I?

Ruth decided to try her plan out on friends who would be kind but truthful in their assessment of her idea. She could also get ideas from them. After all, several heads are better than one. Therefore, she invited several friends over to her house for cake and coffee and an informal presentation. She typed up information gathered from several years of study and research, printing six copies of each and filled a basket with pencils and pads. A little nervous at first, her voice got stronger and more excited as she talked. "Do you want to feel independent, have dignity, and feel good about who you are? Do you suffer from a lack of self-esteem, or just want to raise your level of self-acceptance? Maybe you desire to do everything that you can to foster healthy self-esteem in your own children, giving them the courage and ability to take risks, make good choices along with the inevitable mistakes, and achieve their goals in life. Whatever your purpose or need, take your place on the starting line and follow the simple steps of my plan." Encouraged by her friends' faces, Ruth continued. "We will begin with the early years. You will be made aware of the importance of the first few years of life. Hopefully, you will better understand what might have been absent from your own childhood, possibly causing you to have less that an ideal and fulfilling life. Follow my plan and you will learn how to overcome negative behavior with positive thinking." "Beginning with three baby steps, you will walk, skip and jump through the shadows into the bright light of understanding and acceptance. Before you are finished you could be cartwheeling your way through life with a smile on your face. You will finally be IT!" Ruth laughed at the expressions on a couple of faces. Mary Lou said, "Can anyone here see me doing a cartwheel? Y'all would have to call an ambulance if I tried." Sherry chimed in, "Me, too. But I know my heart does flips when I help a child understand about salvation. I get a really warm feeling inside." "Yes, that's exactly what I mean. Imagine a child who has never really known love finally understanding that she is important and loved by someone--that she has value." Ruth was excited at this point. Adopting a playful mood to fit the game, she said, "Now grab a pencil and pad to make notes; take a deep breath; remember to keep an open mind; and be honest with yourself." "Now, GO! And no. You do not have to say, 'Mother, may I?'" Noticing some raised eyebrows, she couldn't resist adding, "However! It is always good to remember to say 'please' and 'thank you.'" She received some laughs as her friends began to read.