We are living in the rudest, most selfish time I can remember. Please and thank yous are rare; "ma'am" and "sir" are practically obsolete; and just see how many people still hold the door open for you.
Our children aren't taught manners any more. They act out, push and shove their way to the front of lines, yell at others, and in general make a nuisance out of themselves. Their parents, being rude as well, ignore them, hoping they will just stop, instead of teaching them how to correct this behavior.
Rudeness is rampant. From the sales person who talks on his or her phone while ringing up your purchases to the customer who wants to speak to the manager because she was overcharged 5 cents on that can of peas. The person who cuts you off in traffic and then flips you the bird as if you were the one who got in his/her way. From the child who yells at his/her parent when they can't have a candy bar to the parent who yells back at them or smacks them in retaliation.
We've forgotten how to be nice. We don't help people who obviously are struggling. We don't send thank you notes. We don't call friends. We only care about ourselves and how others can help us.
I'll admit I'm guilty of these things at times. I don't check in with my dad or my sisters often enough. I don't stop to help someone if I'm in a hurry myself. I get irritated with other people (ya think?!) and speak out of turn. We all do it.
Bear with me while I re-tell this story:
"A Jew going on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, and beat him up and left him lying half dead beside the road.
By chance, a Jewish priest came along; and when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
A Jewish temple assistant (Levite) walked over and looked at him lying there, but went on.
But a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw him, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them, then he put the man on his donkey and walked along beside him till they came to an inn, where he nursed him through the night." Luke 10:30-34
The beloved story of the Good Samaritan. The best example of loving thy neighbor. Wouldn't it be great if we could be like that?
The holiday season starts this week. Along with it comes Black Friday, traveling, seeing family, etc. So many opportunities to do good, but just as many opportunities to be rude and selfish. This year, let's make a pact to do good, not evil. Even if it's just one instance, try to do something nice for someone. Hold open a door, pick up a dropped item, say "Good Morning," let someone go in front of you in line. Anything to let another human being know you care.
I care about you. Love you all.
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