Charisma

My 7 yo had a very interesting spelling list last week. One of the words was charisma (along with chrysalis and scholarly - I mean, when would a 2nd grader need to use these words?). The other night, I was adjusting his stereo and he very sweetly asked me about charisma. He said, "Mom, which of your sisters have the most charisma?"

First, I was wondering why he skipped my friends and went straight to my sisters :-)   Second, I wasn't sure exactly what it meant, but I shot from the hip by thinking it meant a witty personality.  I went through each sister and talked about my favorite qualities and a few memories. I kept saying, "And, she makes me laugh" for each sister because they all do, each in their own way. I ended with the story of Jess when she was in high school. She treated my husband and I like celebrities because, according to her, we would actually play games with her.

One evening, we promised we would come up. After we got there and found Jessie wasn't home yet, we decided to play a little trick. So, we pulled our little tuna-can car into the backyard and planned to race downstairs when we heard her come in.

She was so loud coming in and calling out to Mom wondering if she had missed us. My mom must have told her we'd already left or something to indicate we weren't there (My mom NEVER lies - except in card games). I think Jessie actually started crying.

True love.

Then, we poked our heads out from the top of the stairs and said, "Surprise"!

Great memory. I think she cried some more.

So, back to charisma, here is a definition of charisma:

(kə-rĭz'mə)  (I have to insert the phonetic spelling because of the many hours I spent studying phonetics)

1. 1. A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm.
   2. Personal magnetism or charm: a television news program famed for the charisma of its anchors.
2. Christianity. An extraordinary power, such as the ability to perform miracles, granted by the Holy Spirit.

I love thinking about the magnetism that draws me to the people I love. That magnetism probably consists of optimism and class. One of the "happy" parts of my life are the people in it. I'm amazed by my insightful son who would think to ask me about charisma and would love to see him try and develop such a cool trait. I think I will make a goal to talk about charisma more in the next few months and see it in others.