Grace At Home

Days of Gentility

I'm so pleased with my daughters. Today, they accompanied me to my hair appointment. As I was being colored, shampooed, cut and styled, Holland and Dulcie sat in the crowded waiting area with the other customers who were awaiting their turn with the hair magicians. They were within my sight at all times. Each time another lady entered the salon to find no seats, my little girls stood up to offer theirs. I miss the days when this was not an uncommon gesture, when children sacrificed their place for their elders, when they respected their elders. I believe this isn't just a subject for Emily Post though. Scripture teaches this as well. How many places do we read of rising to one's feet as a sign of reverence? Showing respect to the aging brings honor to God. The instruction from Leviticus 19:32 is timeless. "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." I think, as parents, we need to go back to teaching our children to honor those who came before us.

Life is short but there is always time for courtesy.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson