Home Again

With palms together,
Good Evening All,

We arrived home a hour or so ago. It is very nice to be back in the desert southwest. We enjoyed our trip 'back east' but I confess, its not my favorite region. Way too many people, and even in the south, moving way too fast for me. I was good to hold and care for our grandson, though. We took care of him pretty much night and day for five days.

One of the things I do admire about the south, however, is the way people instill basic social manners in children. I held a door open for a young mother and children, for example, and mother was quickly to ask the child to say "thank you" by saying out loud behind her, "We say 'thank you,' darlin.'" People often addressed me with a respectful, "sir."

We have such manners among ranch folk out here, as well. But I'm afraid it seems to be a disappearing value. So accustomed we are to being addressed by our first name by total strangers. Many seem to feel comfortable using l obscenities at their leisure in public places

People feel no discomfort in calling homes late at night, intruding in private life with work whenever, and being rude and crude on the Internet. Anonymity loosens the tongue and the boundaries of civil discourse. Just as familiarity breeds the potential for contempt.

My life in the mountains over the last few years spoiled me to some degree, I suppose, or sheltered me some. I don't know. While there is a profound sense of general willingness to love among people, there is also a equally quick willingness to show a lack of patience and temper.

We need to work on this. All of us.

Be well.


1,266 views 5 replies
Reply #1 Top
Those of us born and bred in the South take a special pride in our manners.
Reply #2 Top
What does this have to do with religion? There are other sections you can post to other than religion. It is a valid thing to take note of but has nothing to do with religion.
Reply #3 Top
Good point Jill. I hadn't even noticed what section this was posted to until now. Does seem like a bit of a miss.
Reply #4 Top
Hello Jill, Interesting question. I wonder how it is not. From my point of view, life and our conduct within this life is a matter of and for religion. Living itself is a religious activity. Moreover, is it not the purvue of a monk to talk about our conduct and our civilization? My sense is that we religious types have a role to play in peoples lives. I assumed because I am a monk, and all of my thought has to do with my religious life and perspective on society, that this was the appropriate category for my posts. I might be wrong. Be well.

Reply #5 Top
Okey dokey.