Courtesy...

"...it is through the many small tendernesses that are a consequence of good manners that we demonstrate our respect and esteem to others." Karen Andreola

I love good manners! As a child, we were taught to chew with our mouths closed...my dad always held the door for the women of the family (and anyone else)...we were taught to anticipate a need even before there was mention of it...the table was set properly...respect was shown to elders...preference was shown to guests...we learned to take care of eachother's things...girls went first...I even remember the boy cousins STANDING when my sister's and I entered the room! So where have I gone wrong?? It often seems it's all I can do to get through a meal, never mind reminding the guys to hold the chairs for the girls...to wait for the women to be seated...to be moderate in our portions...to offer to others first...to ask to be excused...to take the plates of others. Instead I'm serving, answering, directing, correcting, feeding the baby, disciplining the toddler, reminding the child, rebuking the teen...all at the same time! Did I mention reading another chapter of our read-aloud? Oh, and the Bible stories that we are now sketching...

I'm not quitting though...etiquette is important, and a caring home atmosphere WILL influence our children to be more servant-minded, and more like our Savior.