There was a little bit of a wait when we got there, only 10 minutes or so. After signing in, we went and sat down on the bench to patiently wait for our turn to eat some yummy seafood. While we were waiting, a family walked in with an elderly mother & father, 3 middle age daughters and their spouses and a couple of mid-20's grandchildren. In other words, they were out to enjoy some quality family time together. The elderly mom and dad were able to squeeze in on the bench between us and another family. The grandpa started up a conversation with our 3 little ones, talking about when his little girls were their age, etc. The family on the other side of the bench kept shooting "looks" at the couple and kept scooting closer and closer to him, like they were trying to edge him off the bench. It was extremely weird to witness, I know I am not setting the scene right, but try to see what was happening. Well, the grandpa, being the gentleman he was, got up from the bench (I guess he got the hint) and went to stand up by the wall with one of his daughters, still talking to all of us. He was a very sociable fella. Then the "scooting" family started pulling the same maneuver with grandma, trying to make room for one of their boys.
Now I have got to tell you that the "scoot" family was a young couple (mid 30's-40's) with 3 teenage children. Getting a better picture now? My Tim noticed what was going on and he asked the elderly dad (in a very loud, un-Tim-like voice) if he would like to sit in his spot so he can rest while they waited. The father of the "scoot" family overheard Tim (as was his intent) and blushed bright red and immediately got up off the bench. It was a wonderful site to see. Tim was able to shame this man (but not his wife and children) into doing what was right. The man then said to his eldest son (looked to be around 15 or so) "why don't you let these nice folks have a seat? You are young enough that standing a while won't hurt you." Yay, score one for Tim! Sad that he had to shame a grown man, father to 3, into doing what was right, but boy was I honored to be the woman blessed enough to be married to this man!
The next instance of the me, me, me mentality that we witnessed occurred once we were seated at our table which was near the bar. A man and his wife walked in on one side of the bar while 2 women walked in on the other side of the bar. Both parties were looking for a spot at the bar as they waited their turn to be seated. There were 4 (FOUR) empty bar stools at the bar, right next to each other. They all arrived at the stools at the same time, so it was obvious the women saw the man and his wife looking for a seat. The man motioned for the women to sit first (showing good manners, yes?) Well, these women (notice I do not call them ladies?) took the two middle seats – leaving an empty stool on either side of them. The man and his wife just looked at them and then the man says something like "here, have a seat, I'll just stand while we wait," to his wife, the entire time shaking his head at the rudeness of the other two women. One of the women then proceeds to put her purse on the stool beside her . . . and no, she wasn't saving the stool for someone else.
What happened to the good old days when we had manners and something called COMMON COURTESY? Notice that it was the women in each story that were EXTREMELY rude? What has happened, my friends? Why can't we be nice to each other without feeling like we are losing our "femininity?" Why do we feel the need to be so . . . .what's the word . . . .bitchy (sorry everyone!) towards everyone? Can't we maintain our strength as a woman while still acting like a lady?
2 John 1:5 says "and now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another."
Remember, what goes around does, indeed, come back around. Hey "mom trying to scoot grandma off the bench", I can't wait for you to get old and I can't wait for someone to try to scoot you off the bench. I hope it hurts your feelings so much that you go home and cry. Ok – ok. I don't really want to make you cry, but I sure can't wait for you to be on the other side of that line you drew last night.
And "women that were too rude to share the bar with a man and his wife" I noticed the two of you weren't wearing wedding bands. . . . and yes it was quite obvious you were out trolling last night . . . .ever wonder why you are still single? Maybe because other men witness your rudeness and don't want a gal that can't manage to show some respect? Hmmm . . . .
Makes this writer wonder.
Leviticus 19:32 (NIV) "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD."
Song for the day: Good life by Audio Adrenaline
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