Word of wisdom

Today after our house was shown, I decided to get out some magazines that I have had for a couple of weeks, but never took the time to savor.  The first one was Real Simple.  I believe that is somewhat of a misnomer because many things they promote would not come "real simply" to me.  I did enjoy one article on creativity.  It encouraged us to play and think outside our proverbial boxes.  One thing that I found worthy, was the studies that have proven that dementia and Alzheimer's are kept at bay by creative thinkers.  Well, I am hoping that my creative juices really start flowing.  One of the tactics mentioned was to get on the floor and type, so that a new perspective could be seen and shared.  Please note that I have not moved my laptop to the floor to write this missal.

I moved next to Southern Living.  One of the best articles this month was sharing "mother's wisdom" from several different writers.  Oh, how it put me in touch with some of my early training.  One of my favorite, was that each day one writer asks her children if they have their manners tucked in their pockets.   You see, manners do tell a lot about us; they tell a lot about our values.  I was always taught that beauty is as beauty does; it is only skin deep.  I believe that Proverbs 31 tells it best as the virtuous woman is described. 

Another lesson shared was that courtesy is owed, respect is earned, and love is given.  What would our world and society look like if that were the norm?  Another that spoke to my heart was this "Good manners will often take you where neither money nor education can."  Here it is again...manners.

I am so proud of my daughter, Laura.  She is teaching her daughter (my granddaughter), Elle, to be polite, use good manners, and respect others.  If Elle never learns much else, those values will carry her far.  It is these simple things that create avenues of opportunities for us as doors open to us because we are gentile people.  We are a people that others want to have around.  It all boils down to living "the Golden Rule"...treating others as we wish they would treat us.

So for tonight, I wish you grace and creative ways to share good manners.