The Magic Words

Last week our youngest son, Tyler, and I were having a conversation on the golf course.  He was talking about something that had happened the day before when he and his two brothers were playing golf.  I'm not sure what the conversation was, but what I do remember was this statement:  "Mom, the older men always say "thank you", but the younger ones don't.  They don't say anything."

My mind quickly went back to the "Barney" years....when Barney videos and the TV show was a big part of my four children's lives (especially the oldest three).  A song that Barney would sing was "Please and Thank You".  I sang part of it for Tyler that day and talked to him about how it is good to be polite and how that, although those two words aren't really "magic"....they are showing kindness and courtesy to others. 

Here are the lyrics:

There are lots of things

We can do to be nice,

Sometimes they're hard to remember.

But there are two little things

You should never forget,

From January through December.

He's talking 'bout please and thank you,

They're called the magic words,

If you want nice things to happen,

They're the words that should be heard,

Remember please and thank you,

'Cause they're the magic words.

Use 'em in the morning, at noon, and night,

'Cause it's a great way to be polite!

Please and thank you,

They're the magic words.

We're talking 'bout please and thank you,

They're called the magic words.

If you want nice things to happen,

They're the words that should be heard!

Remember please and thank you,

'Cause they're the magic words.

Use 'em in the morning, at noon, and night,

'Cause it's a great way to be polite!

Please and thank you,

They're the magic words.

How about you?  Do you say "please" and "thank you" all of the time?  Some times?  Rarely?  Are they "magic words" to you, meaning that you appreciate hearing those words from others?  A Christian with good manners is just one more way in which we can "Shine Like Stars". 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 

Colossians 3:15

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23