I was struck today at the lack of common courtesy I see all around me. We were at the library today and I was pretty much smacked in the face with the totally lack of common courtesy of some people.
For example, Bubba and I were waiting in line at the front desk so that he could check out a video game. We waited and waited while the lady working the desk did… something. We waited, she saw us, we waited. Then, another young girl came up and stood there. The lady working the desk finally said, “May I help the next person” and this young chick walks right up there!!! The lady working the desk asked her, “Were you next?”, Of course she said yes, and a couple minutes later looked over at us with a very smug look on her face.
Whatever, a good lesson in patience for my son.
So, we finally get checked out and head back to the children’s department. My girls were waiting at the desk there for the librarian to get off the phone so they could ask a couple of questions. They were standing there right in front of the librarian, and the same “young chick” from the front desk walks up and stands there. I’m thinking, What is her problem, is she stalking us? So, this librarian gets off the phone and says to the young chick, were you next? HELLO!!!!! Of course she says “yes” and shoots me another nasty look. Really, what did I ever do to her? I don’t even know this chick! I mean I could understand if it was someone who I ticked off in the past or something…. but shesh!
Whatever, a good lesson in patience for my girls.
I get the kiddos settled and I started looking up some books we will need for upcoming language lessons. I ended up needed to request a book from another library. So, I go 10 feet away to grab my library card and turn around to see that the mom looking up books on the computer next to mine has let her 2 year old climb up in the chair I was in. So, I go over there and stand and wait patiently….no dice. She just let’s the kid sit there. She sees me waiting, no dice….
So, what did I do? I grabbed my laptop and started writing. Maybe that computer is available now….
In all seriousness, I think that we are seeing a lack of common courtesy because having common courtesy requires us to take our eyes off of ourselves for a second and consider the other person. The culture we live in is so saturated with selfishness, that it’s no surprise that common courtesy is a dying thing. As a society we have become so self-centered that we can’t even wait our turn in line!
What does the Bible have to say about it?
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Nuf Said.