Friday, June 17, 2005
FOR LENT AND FOREVER, BE COURTEOUS!
From St. Mary's Sunday Bulletin
"Let your adornment be the inner self with lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sign." (1 Peter 3:4)
"We are not talking about knowing which fork to use; we're talking about a world where the healthy, fit person takes a seat and leaves the slower moving adult or handicapped person to stand or fend for himself," wrote a reader from Maine in Modern Maturity magazine. "If we want the world to be less stressful place, we have to start with our everyday encounters."
"Courtesy is one passport that will be accepted without question in every land, in every office, in every home, in every heart in the world. For nothing commends itself so well as kindness, and courtesy is kindness," said George Powers.
"The Christopher's News Notes" makes some very obvious remarks about courtesy. "It is all too easy to take those closest to you for granted. Yet civility among family members makes home life more pleasant and shows respect for our loved ones and yourself. Husbands and wives can give each other time when they first come home to "wind down" without questions, hassles or complaints. Spouses can also make an effort to show special kindness. One husband packed his wife's favorite pillow to surprise her when they took a weekend trip. A couple made a point of never interrupting each other, no small feat in a busy household. But they knew it made a difference in the way they treated each other and set a good example for their children.
Parents have a responsibility to give the time, effort and patience it takes to teach children courtesy. When other adults show youngsters respect, they act as a role models as well.
Here are few suggestions for the workplace.
* Smile, say 'hello'. Learn your co-workers name Even if you forget a name, don't let that stop you from being friendly.
* When people are talking, don't interrupt. If you are in a hurry and it's important, ask permission to break in.
* Invite others with a quick job to go first when you are photocopying, faxing or printing a lot of material.
* Introduce anyone who might not be known to others. Never treat anyone as so unimportant that his or her identity doesn't matter.
* Whether dealing with colleagues or the public, be willing to look at things from their point of view.
* Courtesy is especially important if you are the boss, whether one person or a thousand. Be considerate in small ways that may mean a lot to employees. If you must make changes in the way people work or unpopular decisions, discuss matters with your staff first, and listen to their concerns.
* One employee of a successful and respected publisher recalled that on his first day of work, he told his boss that he was deaf in his right ear. In the 25 years they worked together, not once did the publisher stand on that side of the man when talking to him.
* On the road, "road rage" has made headlines as drivers increasingly take out their anger and frustration on people with whom they share the streets and highways. This goes beyond rudeness to real safety issues. One driver says that it helps her to picture her loved ones, especially her mother, driving a car. "It's a lot easier to forgive her and allows me to see things from the driver� perspective. "Those who are slow to anger, curb contention." (Proverbs 15:18)
SOME EVERYDAY ACTS OF COURTESY:
Say...Please, Thank You, Excuse me, I'm sorry.
If you are walking with someone who can't keep up with your pace, slow down.
Give your bus or train seat to someone who looks like they need it.
Allow others off elevators, buses, etc. before you enter.
When somebody impresses you, pay an honest compliment.
Listen. People appreciate it when pay attention.
Watch your language, off-color remarks, curses or crude jokes.
Cleanliness and good grooming show respect for yourself and those around you.
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
"Let your adornment be the inner self with lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sign." (1 Peter 3:4)
"We are not talking about knowing which fork to use; we're talking about a world where the healthy, fit person takes a seat and leaves the slower moving adult or handicapped person to stand or fend for himself," wrote a reader from Maine in Modern Maturity magazine. "If we want the world to be less stressful place, we have to start with our everyday encounters."
"Courtesy is one passport that will be accepted without question in every land, in every office, in every home, in every heart in the world. For nothing commends itself so well as kindness, and courtesy is kindness," said George Powers.
"The Christopher's News Notes" makes some very obvious remarks about courtesy. "It is all too easy to take those closest to you for granted. Yet civility among family members makes home life more pleasant and shows respect for our loved ones and yourself. Husbands and wives can give each other time when they first come home to "wind down" without questions, hassles or complaints. Spouses can also make an effort to show special kindness. One husband packed his wife's favorite pillow to surprise her when they took a weekend trip. A couple made a point of never interrupting each other, no small feat in a busy household. But they knew it made a difference in the way they treated each other and set a good example for their children.
Parents have a responsibility to give the time, effort and patience it takes to teach children courtesy. When other adults show youngsters respect, they act as a role models as well.
Here are few suggestions for the workplace.
* Smile, say 'hello'. Learn your co-workers name Even if you forget a name, don't let that stop you from being friendly.
* When people are talking, don't interrupt. If you are in a hurry and it's important, ask permission to break in.
* Invite others with a quick job to go first when you are photocopying, faxing or printing a lot of material.
* Introduce anyone who might not be known to others. Never treat anyone as so unimportant that his or her identity doesn't matter.
* Whether dealing with colleagues or the public, be willing to look at things from their point of view.
* Courtesy is especially important if you are the boss, whether one person or a thousand. Be considerate in small ways that may mean a lot to employees. If you must make changes in the way people work or unpopular decisions, discuss matters with your staff first, and listen to their concerns.
* One employee of a successful and respected publisher recalled that on his first day of work, he told his boss that he was deaf in his right ear. In the 25 years they worked together, not once did the publisher stand on that side of the man when talking to him.
* On the road, "road rage" has made headlines as drivers increasingly take out their anger and frustration on people with whom they share the streets and highways. This goes beyond rudeness to real safety issues. One driver says that it helps her to picture her loved ones, especially her mother, driving a car. "It's a lot easier to forgive her and allows me to see things from the driver� perspective. "Those who are slow to anger, curb contention." (Proverbs 15:18)
SOME EVERYDAY ACTS OF COURTESY:
Say...Please, Thank You, Excuse me, I'm sorry.
If you are walking with someone who can't keep up with your pace, slow down.
Give your bus or train seat to someone who looks like they need it.
Allow others off elevators, buses, etc. before you enter.
When somebody impresses you, pay an honest compliment.
Listen. People appreciate it when pay attention.
Watch your language, off-color remarks, curses or crude jokes.
Cleanliness and good grooming show respect for yourself and those around you.
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
# posted by F O O D F O R T H O U G H T @ 9:23 PM 
