Last night I caught the last few moments of Oprah. I'm not a huge fan, but the content of the conversation quickly drew me in. Her guest was Dr. P.M. Forni, a man who has spent his life studying manners and the "laws of civility". The first thing that I noticed was the focused attention he paid to those speaking to him, and then there was his wonderful quiet voice and disposition. I quickly realized that this was a person I would enjoy speaking with.Dr. Forni had many points to make, but I was impressed with his argument that treating all (not just our personal friends and families) around us with respect and manners is how we show them that we love them. It is also how we advance as a society. Without manners and kindness, we cannot grow as a people because along with manners comes love for all humankind. It is not good enough to simply "be good", we also need to "pay attention" to our fellow human beings.
Unfortunately, manners seem to be lost in our loud, media rich world. Too many people thinking only of themselves I guess.
I mean just think about it, how many times have you not R.S.V.P.'d, forgotten to say thank you, ignored someone because you were in a hurry, not recognized someone's efforts in improving your life, not made eye contact, or cut off a child's conversation when the phone rang? Don't worry, I am also guilty as charged!
It really got me thinking. From an eternal perspective, Christ is the ultimate example of manners. He loved and respected ALL around him, and they knew it.
So, I want to say THANK YOU for reading my post. If you are reading my post it is because I LOVE YOU and you have help make my life better in some way. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
p.s. You can tell me "You're welcome!" the next time you see me!
8 comments:
Thank you for rouching my life and showing me how wonderful a christ centered family is....I love you
Vanessa
Touching my life...;)
I just have to say, "you're welcome" here, since I can't see you too soon! Thank you though for sharing your wonderful thoughts and family, Monica. Everytime I see your blog I feel a little lighter and brighter. Thank you!
you're welcome....in case I forget in person. I try really hard to teach my kid's manners. I make them thanks their coaches and teachers....just this year..they starting doing it on their own!!! It sinks in eventually!!!!....it starts at home....thanks for the reminder...I agree 100%.
You are very welcome but I really need to say thank you to for touching my life. I've really enjoyed being able to read about you and your family. I also really enjoy your insight and helpful posts that you make. Your a good friend and example to me!
Thank you again for everything!
JoLynn
I wish I could see you! You will always be a part of who I am.
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. What an eye opener! We try to teach our kids good manners, but it is so true, how life gets in the way and things/thoughds/people get forgotten. I won't forget this thought and will work even harder to love all those around me!
Yes, I agree - manners are becoming fewer and far between. Something for us all to work on, I suppose. I'm sorry I missed that show; it sounds like somehting i'd have liked.
Post a Comment