Practice Makes Perfect

As his parents discussed plans for the coming weekend, Nolan took another helping of potatoes. "Hey! Pass the gravy," he said, interrupting their conversation. "And the salt too."Dad frowned at him. "Didn't you notice that your mother and I were talking? You interrupted us. And whatever happened to saying 'please'?""Well, sorry," said Nolan. "But I need more gravy."Mom shook her head. "Nolan, you're being very rude. That's been happening too much lately."Nolan rolled his eyes. "It's not like we're out in a restaurant or at somebody's house or anything.""You mean you'd use better manners in a restaurant?" asked Dad."Sure," said Nolan. "I try to remember to be polite when I'm with other people, but you don't expect me to be all proper around here at home, do you?""We certainly do!" said Mom. "You seem to think that you only need to have good manners when you're with other people, but that's not true. Being polite and respectful is one way to show others that we care about them, and that's important all the time--especially at home.""Right," said Dad. "Developing good manners helps us think about others and how our actions affect them. It's one way we can show people the love of Jesus by putting their needs above our own. And home is the best place to practice."Nolan frowned. "Practice?""Practice!" said Dad. "A football player practices to get ready for the Super Bowl, and a figure skater practices to get ready for the Olympics. And here at home, you can practice being thoughtful and respectful so you'll be ready to interact with others at school or in the neighborhood or anywhere else. Your mom and I will help you practice good manners here at home, and God will help you think of others and how you can show love and concern for them." He paused. "They say practice makes perfect, you know.""Well, I'm sorry I was rude," murmured Nolan.Dad smiled. "Apology accepted. I think you understand what we're saying. Do you have any questions?"Nolan looked down at his plate and grinned. "Yes. Can I please have some more of that delicious gravy?"–Bob Hostetler