This morning while helping an autistic child make it to the classroom, the principal came by and told me I was the sweetest person.  I thanked her for the compliment, and then thought of this lesson by brother Brownlow.  It is very true, and this is how God wants us to be in demeanor.  We as Christians are to “let our light” shine before others.  Being courteous, kind, thoughtful, helpful, and understanding to others allows the Light of Christ to shine through all our actions.  When they see us, they should see Him.  I have found that example teaches when words are not heard.  These students are learning what it means to be courteous to their teachers, classmates, and others.  When we stop thinking about ourselves and place others before self, it is amazing how contagious it is.  It is just as easy to learn and practice courtesy as it is to have a “me first” attitude.  They see, they hear, but mostly they see.  I once heard it said, “an ounce of practice is worth a pound of preaching.”  I never realized the principal was watching and listening, but she was.

“My father taught me many valuable lessons as I grew up, working in a general merchandise store.  One was:  “Son, if others are rude, you don’t have to stoop to their level.  Be courteous.  In the first place, it’s right; in the second place, it keeps us in business.”

“So even common sense says, “Be not savage, cruel and rude.”  The impolite make life hard for themselves.  They go out and butt heads when courtesy would often spare them the head-knocking ordeal.  After all, we’re not goats.

Rudeness is no hinge on which doors open.  Neither is it a bridge that spans the difference between people.  It is acid from which people pull back.

However, courtesy is the universal language appreciated on every shore and in every clime.  Speak it!  Speak it!  And you’ll be heard.”       ~ Leroy Brownlow

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”   Philippians 2:4

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”    Colossians 3:13

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”    Philippians 2:3

“A little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference.”       ~ Eeyor

Eileen Light