Today we are talking about courtesy as one of the attributes of love. Do you know that courtesy or good manners can get you far in life! I know you don’t have a manners class anymore, but maybe we should have one here. I know when I was growing up, there were certain things that I was taught to do, and not to do to be courteous. Maybe you were taught the same things. Here are some reminders:
Always say thank you!
Always say please!
Don’t talk with food in your mouth!
Ask permission before using someone elses things
Don’t take the biggest piece, or go first unless someone says you can
Try every kind of food. Don’t reject any food without giving it a try
Knock before entering a room
Work first before play
Treat your relatives with respect
Take turns without complaining and whining
Don’t interrupt – if you need someone’s attention and they are talking, our signal is for my kids to touch my arm if it is really important.
No caps at the dinner table….come properly dressed, too
Look people in the eye when you talk to them
Ask to be excused from the table
Clean up after yourself
Be kind to everyone
basically it all boils down to treating others like you like to be treated
That may seem like a long list, but those are just common courtesies. Your family might have other specific guidelines, but if you start practicing just those, you will be way down the road. Courteous people are better drivers, get better jobs, keep cleaner spaces and are more pleasant to be around. It is not too hard to begin becoming more courteous, and have better manners, especially with God on our side, and His love on the inside of us. Be blessed this week as you show courtesy to everyone you meet.
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