The Rollercoaster Ride of Civility: A Lesson from the Past

Dear friends, today I want to share a story with you. A story that taught me a lesson about civility in a rather unexpected place – a rollercoaster ride.

The Day at the Amusement Park

It was a bright, sunny day, many summers ago. My grandchildren and I decided to spend the day at our local amusement park. The park was bustling with excitement, laughter, and the delightful screams of thrill-seekers on the rollercoasters.

After much persuasion from my grandkids, I agreed to join them on the biggest rollercoaster in the park. As we stood in line, I noticed a young man, no older than my eldest grandson, trying to cut in line.

The Incident

As the young man attempted to push his way through, I gently placed my hand on his shoulder and said, “Excuse me, son. The end of the line is back there.” He looked at me, shrugged, and without a word, returned to his rightful place.

The Lesson

That incident, as simple as it was, taught me a valuable lesson about civility. It reminded me that civility isn’t just about being polite. It’s about respecting others’ rights, acknowledging our responsibilities, and maintaining a sense of decency and fairness in our interactions.

It’s easy to forget these values in the rush of our daily lives. But remember, my friends, a rollercoaster ride is thrilling because of its ups and downs, twists and turns. Similarly, life is a rollercoaster ride, and the thrill lies in navigating it with grace, respect, and civility.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you can choose to be civil or not, remember this story. Remember the rollercoaster ride. And choose civility.

Until next time,

Kev