Courtesy VS Convenience

The hustle and bustle of life swirls around us and there seems to be no clearing in the storm. The storm of kids, work, sports, meals, cleaning and so much more seem to blur our vision in many ways. But at what point in life did it become acceptable to let the storm blur our vision of courtesy?

We wonder why kids these days don’t respect their parents, their teachers, their peers or even themselves. The lack of caring for others is a concern I have seen many have for their kids and their kids friends, but should we really be surprised by their actions?

As adults, with our many forms of communication, we have let courtesy and respect pass us by as well. We have cell phones that let us be in contact with everyone at ALL times. We have iPods that keep us plugged out of the world and into our movies and music. We have iPads, computers, and our “smart” phones that keep us updated and connected to everything. Fifty years ago our parents and grandparents had none of these things, yet they managed to remember the courtesy of calling when they couldn’t make an appointment, or when needing to RSVP, or stopping by when someone needed something. Life was PERSONAL. It was intimate.

Now our lives have been overtaken. We don’t call when we are going to be late, or aren’t going to show up, or to see how someone is doing. We spend our time “posting” or “tweeting” our own lives to everyone. As if we are the most important things in the universe. We SHOULD be in our own homes, but our whole world cannot thrive without those outside our front door. We affect others and others affect us.

We can no longer afford to be the friend that doesn’t show up to help with something without a phone call. Or one of the many people who don’t show up to the party without calling, leaving only 1-2 guests. Or the church leader who makes an appointment and doesn’t keep it and never calls. Or the family member that doesn’t know the struggles of the rest of the family. We can’t afford to be this person.

We are adults. We expect courtesy and respect out of our children. Often these are demanded, but do we demand them out of ourselves?

How have you kept yourself grounded and involved with your neighbors, friends, and family?