CHOOSE: promp-TEA-tude

Promptitude is truly a word. An important word!
My childhood family valued promptitude. "Promptness is just good manners!" (Mother)

Thus, promptness has been important to me all my life. I wasn't always tolerant of others' timeliness, rather their lack there of!

As a real stickler for being "on time," it has always seemed polite to honor an appointment or engagement in a timely manner---which for me was usually a little early to said destination.  Even if I did not "go in" until the appointed time, I was prompt. Maybe to a fault. I even set kitchen clocks early so we would go out the door with a little "wiggle" room as other family members did not seem to share my obsession with promptitude! (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1Corinthians 14:40)

But God....recently had me spill my cuppa promp-TEA-tude. And....my daughter was there to point that out! I had an excuse for my 1 minute tardiness, but as in the past, I have not "allowed" for excuses, I was pretty sure I shouldn't even open my mouth to share it.

It appears I needed to add a spoonful of grace to my cuppa promp-TEA-tude,  as well as to remember to serve it to others.

"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!

A cuppa "gentili-TEA"

3/2/13 I was brought up in a home where manners were the way. No opting out. One was to be polite and respectful in all areas of life, not just public. Always polite to others, even in attitude. No muttering under your breath. No eye-rolling allowed.

Today I've wondered if I am being "polite" to God when my "grumblings" continue to surface. I think I'm content but......"grumblings" seem to indicate a lack of satisfaction.

Marginalia from H2H notes (Seville, 2/27/13) was a glaring indicator of my "state."

• Discontent souls lack satisfaction! 

• Contentment comes to the heart of those who thank God.

 Whoa! I need a contentment makeover---I need to brew some gentiliTEA!

Thanks to Norman Mitchell who found this pic on-line.

Reverential awe and respect, or just good old fashion politeness, should be front and center in my relationship with a sovereign God. Such murmurings don't seem "gracious" or grateful.

Sometimes "Life is like a cup of tea" and I need to sweeten mine with a little more gratitude and politeness......

.........gentili-TEA needs to be sipped and savored toward God and others.