29 March 2009
Sharon’s Sunday Blog
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: General .
What Do We Lack?
by Sharon Anderson
Years ago I heard a story about a conversation between a businessman from Asia and an American. The man said, “You Americans have everything. Money, houses, cars, cell phones, computers, big screen Tvs, I pods. There is just one thing you lack.. . . Respect.. .You don’t respect yourselves and you don’t respect others!”
While I can think of a few other values we seem to lack as a nation, increased respect would benefit us greatly. I have thought a lot respect and how it is related to kindness, gentleness, sportsmanship, friendship. Good manners are one way of showing respect.
The following was posted on a friend’s blog. It reminds us that manners are important and that small simple words can make a big difference:
You Go First . . . and other Pleasantries
The world is getting rude.
Sometimes my ears yearn for those soft and fluid words that show our humanity: our belief in Christ and the worth of a soul. The virtues of unselfishness and patience. Ah, words of kindness . . .
Print them out and post them on your bathroom mirror. Practice saying them while you are in the shower, until they sound convincingly polite and loving. Use them all day long, as much as you can. Embrace them and make them part of your vocabulary. Expect your children to do the same. Teach your littlest toddler to say, “You go first” instead of “me first”.
You go first.
How can I help?
What would make you most comfortable?
It’s my fault.
It’s okay—I have time.
Let me help you.
Thank you.
No worries!
I’m so sorry.
Don’t stress, it’s fine.
Excuse me.
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