Behaviors of a Child that Warms the Heart

It's great to see children with manners these days and I praise all parents who are teaching their children how to act. I bring this up for 2 reasons: first, I visited the local post office the other day and, as I opened the door to exit, a guy, probably in his late teens or early twenties, practically knocked me down to come in before I could walk out. He looked at me, the 66-year-old lady with the bum leg, and mumbled, "thanks." Am I missing something here? Was he not to step back and let me enter, perhaps hold the door for me? Why, he didn't even hold the door after he walked in; it was if he were saying, "Let the door hit you on the way out." I turned to watch him enter, then re-opened the door a little wider when, lo and behold, a girl in her mid-thirties repeated the performance, except she didn't say a word of gratitude! I wonder if I look like a doorperson or a post office greeter. (I am tempted to apply to Wal-Mart now as a Senior greeter since I have such first-hand experience plus I must look the part dressed in my jeans and sweatshirt!)

Now, let me recall for you the actions of my sweet little 2-year-old grandson who was visiting with his mom and sissy on Monday. Since it was almost dark when they were going to walk home (about 1000 yards I'd guess), I took them over in my golf cart and pulled up next to the front door steps. As Clay disembarked, he climbed a few steps, turned back and grinned that special dimpled smile of his (that melts my heart) and said, "Thanks, MaBoo!" Then he climbs to the porch, but before entering the house, he turns back to me and says, "I love you... You be careful." Why, those words won me over, heart and soul! What beautiful sentiments coming from a little boy who happens to be "all boy". I am so proud of his thoughtfulness and for his parents who are teaching him the best way to behave in a world that needs a lot of love shown. (I am also proud of his Sunday School adult friends who show their love for him and help to teach him the need for love.)

We can all use a good lesson on manners from a little child. This is so much better than being a rude, crude adult, young or old, who expects the world to revolve around him or her. I was so blessed by the behaviors of a little child that my heart still rejoices. May we all brush up on our manners today and show others a caring smile. Remember the words to that old song, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love..."