Happy Endings!

Book reviewers tend to look at a work's beginnings more than the ending. They insist that it's those first words that draw you in---take you captive, hold you hostage, so to speak. 

Words that make you want to "hang in there" for more.

There's even a website for those "best first lines of novels." But, since it did not include, "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again," (Rebecca) or "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."(A Tale of Two Cities) I don't hold much stock in their opinion.

Some readers only read books where "happy endings" are assured.
I call that unrealistic fiction.

Yet, I admit that I do prefer endings that are worth the wait, though not necessarily "happy"---and certainly NOT endings which are contrived or predictable!

I even look for a good tea for my morning cuppa---
a cuppa that makes me happy to the very end!

The "Good Book"does that. It has those first words that draw you in, words in between that teach and encourage you and an eternal ending that is a "happy ending" for all believers. 

"In the beginning, God....(Genesis 1:1) and "the dwelling of God is with men and He will live with them....The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." (Revelation 21:3 & 22:21)

It's foolishness to look for a "happy ending anywhere else!

Happy Ending, indeed!

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"Traves-TEAs vs. Nicie-TEAs"

demonstrating all expressions of humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2, ISV)

My maternal grandmother cornered the market on nicieties. Not in finery or elegance, but in politeness. Politeness in every "manner of her life." 
That's it---manners. Good old fashioned manners. Rudeness not allowed.

My introduction to "proper" behavior came from watching Mama Davenport's lifestyle, along with my Emily Post Book of Etiquette, a high school graduation gift. She didn't have a book of etiquette, Mama just had the "Good Book." 

All those godly attributes from the "good book" are the nicieties she practiced every single day. Thinking of others. Putting others first.

Mama's nicieties left everyone in her path feeling, not only acknowledged, but fully appreciated. She didn't share her life in words or "posts." She embraced others in relationship. 

She would have had trouble with "tweeting" her every move and meal on Twitter. She would want to take the time to "ask after" others. 

Maybe that's the traves-TEA of our rampant epidemic of sharing----we don't "ask after" others.

This week's college graduation for a family member had me privy to an interesting comment. Mom, he's so nice. When he takes me to a restaurant, he leaves his iPhone in the car. Isn't that nice?

Nice indeed. A BIG cuppa nicie-TEA! Ah-h-h, it's nice to be nice!