It is time to break out one of my favorite holiday shirts. It reads “In a world full of Grinches, be a Cindy-Lou Who!”

In the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the grumpy, solitary Grinch looks down on the town of Whoville and makes assumptions about why they are happy. He decides to steal their Christmas thinking it is made of presents and decorations.

This year, it has been easy for my Grinch to show up much too often. It is easy to be grumpy and bemoan the things that aren’t like I want them to be. It is easy to be judgmental of those who think differently than I do.

I need to remember my favorite character in all of this and “be a Cindy-Lou Who.” She consistently asks “why” when she catches the Grinch stealing their things. I am going to ask myself the WHY when I find the Grinch sliding into my day and choose happy, kind, and good!

Why – because I have about 200 4-H youth that I have an incredible opportunity with whom to work!

Why – because I have an opportunity to work with youth through our school districts, library, and recreational programs!

Why – because I live in an age of technology that allows me to stay in contact with family and friends when I can’t physically visit with them. 

Why – because I have fellow Extension agents across the state who work hard to provide good, research-based information in our communities and who are willing to partner together to provide that information to the most people in the best way we can.

Why – because I have a roof over my head and food in my pantry. At one time in my life, I faced some very challenging circumstances (some of my own making; some not) and it does provide a space for reflection of my hard work and good fortune.

Why – because we have local community leaders who are trying to make the best decisions they have, with the information available. We aren’t always going to agree but making communication a priority in our communities is the best way to move forward.

Why – because I have the opportunity to give back in my community through donations and service.

To quote the story, “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, is a little bit more!”

Oh goodness, perhaps THIS Grinch’s heart has grown three sizes today! Look for the good and let a little of YOUR Cindy-Lou Who shine in the world this week.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.eduor call 620-793-1910.