The Picnic in the Park: A Lesson in Civility

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my past, a simple tale that taught me a profound lesson about civility. It was a sunny afternoon, many years ago, when I found myself at a picnic in the park.

The Arrival

As I stepped onto the lush green grass, I could see families spread out on their blankets, children laughing and playing, and the smell of barbecued food wafting through the air. It was a picture of perfect harmony, a testament to the joy of shared spaces.

The Incident

However, as the day wore on, I noticed a small incident that marred this idyllic scene. A young boy, no more than seven, was playing with his ball near a group of picnickers. In his enthusiasm, he accidentally kicked the ball too hard, and it landed in the middle of their spread, knocking over a bottle of juice.

The Reaction

The picnickers were understandably upset. They scolded the boy harshly, their words heavy with anger. The boy, scared and embarrassed, ran away without a word of apology.

The Lesson

This incident stayed with me, not because of the boy’s mistake, but because of the reaction it provoked. The picnickers had every right to be upset, but their response lacked civility. They missed an opportunity to teach the boy about responsibility and respect in a compassionate way.

And this, dear friends, is the crux of my story. Civility is not just about politeness. It’s about understanding, patience, and empathy. It’s about treating others with respect, even when they make mistakes. It’s about creating a society where everyone feels valued and heard.

So, the next time you find yourself in a similar situation, remember the picnic in the park. Choose civility. Choose understanding. Choose respect. And in doing so, you’ll not only teach a valuable lesson, but you’ll also make the world a little bit better.

Until next time,

Kev