There are some courtesies that used to be considered common, but essential, for children. They seem to be fading away with civility for children and adults alike, and I miss them. I am listing a few of them below.
1. If you say you'll be there, be there, even if a better offer comes along.
2. If you say you'll do it, do it, in a timely manner. Whatever you do, give it your best. People are counting on you.
3. Be honest, not sneaky or deceiving or conniving. Silence is not honesty.
4. Spend time with people you love. Without plans to leave too quickly. Without electronics. Be fully engaged with the people you’re with.
5. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it, leaving others feeling obligated to bail you out. Separate the needs from the wants.
6. There is an old saying, “Your lack of planning does not necessitate a crisis on my part.” Don’t expect others to jump when you don’t plan or prepare.
7. Remember important days and milestones. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holidays, weddings, funerals. It lets people know you care.
8. Make time for what’s important. Worship, fun, people, learning.
9. Take the message system off your phone if you don’t plan to return calls.
10. Be kind, listen to others’ viewpoints, say “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry. ”
Sincerely
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When I graduated from Windsor High School in Missouri in 1959, my proud mother said, “The world is your oyster. You can do anything you want to if you always do the best you can with what you’ve got right now.”
The words “right now” really meant every day for the rest of my life. She intended for me to stay focused.
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When I put my hands in front of me, my 10 fingers remind me to spend time with my Dad and spend time with my Mom. This is so important during these technological times where smartphones and video games can consume all your time. What’s worse, they contribute to taking your parents for granted.
As a 66-year-old man, I still have my parents. I can still enjoy them and learn so much from them. Why? Because I spend time with them. It wasn’t always that way growing up at home with them. There’s always something that gets in the way of spending time with them. I feel truly blessed that I have been given the opportunity to still have them around, especially when I can appreciate them as a husband, father, and grandfather. This has encouraged me to spend more time with my family now that I can treasure my time with my Mom and Dad. Even now, I get reminded when I use my hands to do things around the house or anything else where I am using my fingers—like writing this letter.
So, my advice is this: When you are texting, playing video games, or using your fingers to navigate through social media, remember not to forget to put your hands in front of you.
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