26 Sept - WOD

Courteous - Having or showing good manners; polite.

Isn't it interesting that once we surpass the milestone of 30 years young, we somehow get automatically thrust into the category of 'Old School'? Funny thing is when I was in my early twenties; I thought I still had an eternity before I was considered an 'ole head'. Between you and me, I actually went thru a slight spell of mental anguish when I turned thirty. I felt like a tremendous underachiever because at that point, I still had not accomplished many of the goals I'd previously set for myself. Indeed thirty was a tough age to embrace.

Fast forward two years and the term "Old fashioned" doesn't strike me as half bad, nowadays. Think about it; most of us fall into the 25 and older category. Fortunately for us, several benefits happen to accompany that statistic. We were raised to appreciate real music (Luther, Anita, Gladys, and Patti). We were blessed to watch quality BLACK television programs (The Cosby Show, The Jeffersons, In Living Color, and Good Times). Most importantly though we understood the value of respect and courtesy as it applies to one another and especially our elders.

Rhetorical Question: Since the term 'old school' is the antonym for 'new jack' should we automatically accept the possibility that our children's values are destined to be the exact opposite of ours?

Courtesy begins at home!!! We can not expect teachers, counselors, or pastors to teach our children good manners. That is our God given responsibility as parents. The harsh reality is that you only have two choices today... 1) Teach your children the value of good manners and common courtesy or 2) Leave it to Bubba and/or Big Bertha (your child's future cell mate) to do it for you. Courtesy cost you nothing yet buys you so much. Be blessed.

Corey R.