Time to Live
When I was a little girl I learned many lessons. Some of these lessons were learned in school, some in Sunday School, and some at home. Taking turns, being kind, sharing, forgiving, saying I am sorry, waiting with patience, all of these things were normal expected behavior when I was growing up.
Somehow, these basic courtesies seem to be missing from every day life. There are a few people who still practice common courtesy and consideration for others but not many. Not only do people seldom show consideration for others around them, they don't know what to do when in the presence of someone else who does. I'm not talking over the top to-the-manor-born etiquette here, just basic child level courtesies. Maybe a good first step in creating a peaceful life would be if everyone who has any recollection of these childhood practices starts to live them out in everyday life again. It certainly couldn't hurt. Could it?
There is however another childhood lesson that might require a different sort of action. Sooner or later each of us learns that not everyone chooses to play nice. No matter how mannerly and nice you are, sometime, somewhere there will be someone who chooses to be rude and unkind. AND at some point in our lives, one of those people will get in our face and refuse to leave us alone in spite of our kind behavior. In situations such as this, there may come a time when we will have to stand up for what is right and meet the conflict head on. We don't have to be mean or rude, but we may have to make a bold, unyielding stand for what is right and true.
Different situations may require using different lessons from all that we have learned. As the world enters a new era every day living can feel a little bit shaky sometimes. Some may be unsure what to say and do. I pray that God provides each one of us wisdom to live the truth every day in every way. May each of us know how to be both kind and strong, caring and firm, loving and fiercely brave. May the God of all grace infuse us with Himself and grant us His wisdom so we will know what to do and say when and to whom. Should we find ourselves in a situation that requires making a physical stand for truth and goodness, may we walk in the strength and power of Almighty God covered in the armor of the faithful and fearless soldier of Jesus Christ. May we always remember being kind, taking turns, saying please and thank, sharing, and forgiving those who have wronged us are always a good idea.
Somehow, these basic courtesies seem to be missing from every day life. There are a few people who still practice common courtesy and consideration for others but not many. Not only do people seldom show consideration for others around them, they don't know what to do when in the presence of someone else who does. I'm not talking over the top to-the-manor-born etiquette here, just basic child level courtesies. Maybe a good first step in creating a peaceful life would be if everyone who has any recollection of these childhood practices starts to live them out in everyday life again. It certainly couldn't hurt. Could it?
There is however another childhood lesson that might require a different sort of action. Sooner or later each of us learns that not everyone chooses to play nice. No matter how mannerly and nice you are, sometime, somewhere there will be someone who chooses to be rude and unkind. AND at some point in our lives, one of those people will get in our face and refuse to leave us alone in spite of our kind behavior. In situations such as this, there may come a time when we will have to stand up for what is right and meet the conflict head on. We don't have to be mean or rude, but we may have to make a bold, unyielding stand for what is right and true.
Different situations may require using different lessons from all that we have learned. As the world enters a new era every day living can feel a little bit shaky sometimes. Some may be unsure what to say and do. I pray that God provides each one of us wisdom to live the truth every day in every way. May each of us know how to be both kind and strong, caring and firm, loving and fiercely brave. May the God of all grace infuse us with Himself and grant us His wisdom so we will know what to do and say when and to whom. Should we find ourselves in a situation that requires making a physical stand for truth and goodness, may we walk in the strength and power of Almighty God covered in the armor of the faithful and fearless soldier of Jesus Christ. May we always remember being kind, taking turns, saying please and thank, sharing, and forgiving those who have wronged us are always a good idea.