I missed it. So, allow me to wish you a Happy National Common Courtesy Day! Last Tuesday, March 21st served as an annual reminder that graciousness and gratitude are the virtues that keep our world from slipping into a sea of anger and turmoil. Though you won’t find the words common courtesy in the Scriptures, Paul contends that our goal should move us to bring out the best in others.

     An out-of-town driver swerved into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t move. Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco,

“But I did obey the LORD!” Saul protested to Samuel. “I went on the mission the LORD sent me on. I captured Agag the Amalekite king…Yes, the troops took sheep and cattle from the plunder—the very best items placed under the ban—but in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal” (1 Samuel 15:20-21, CEB)

“When Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he tried to have him killed. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian” (Exodus 2:15, GWT)

     During the beginning of the Blitzkrieg in 1939, the British government had concerns about the mental stability of its citizens. Most people were not prepared for the horrors that would come. Some believed London would suffer from three times as many psychological casualties as they would from physical injuries.

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. (John 6:35, NIV)

     Following World War II, the allied forces discovered that many children had been left hungry and homeless. Children of all ages were gathered into camps where they received care, food, and medical attention. All their needs were met, yet few of the children slept well. They appeared agitated and anxious.