Politeness: The Foundation of a Sandcastle and Life

Dear friends, today I want to share a story from my past, a simple tale that carries a profound lesson about the importance of politeness. It’s a story about building a sandcastle, but it’s also about building character.

The Day at the Beach

Many summers ago, when my grandchildren were just little sprouts, we took a family trip to the beach. The sun was shining, the waves were gently lapping at the shore, and the sand was warm beneath our feet. It was the perfect day for building a sandcastle.

The Sandcastle Project

My grandson, full of youthful energy and enthusiasm, was eager to start. He began digging and piling up sand, his little hands working tirelessly. But, as often happens with such endeavors, he soon hit a snag. His castle kept collapsing, and frustration started to set in.

The Lesson Begins

Seeing his struggle, I decided to step in. But instead of simply showing him how to build a stronger castle, I used this as an opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson. I told him, “Politeness, my dear boy, is like the water we add to the sand. It helps to bind everything together. Without it, our castle, just like our relationships, can easily crumble.”

Politeness in Action

Curious, he asked me how he could add ‘politeness’ to his sandcastle. I smiled and suggested we ask the family next to us if we could borrow their bucket. He was hesitant at first, but I encouraged him to try. With a polite request and a bright smile, he returned triumphant, bucket in hand.

The Result

With the bucket, we were able to add just the right amount of water to our sand. Our castle stood tall and strong, much to my grandson’s delight. But more importantly, he learned the power of politeness that day. He saw how a simple act of courtesy could open doors and make things easier.

Final Thoughts

Politeness, my friends, is more than just a social nicety. It’s a tool that can help us navigate through life, smoothing our path and strengthening our relationships. Like the water in our sandcastle, it binds us together and helps us stand tall. So, let’s not forget to add a dash of politeness to our daily interactions. It might just make your castle, and your life, a little bit stronger.

Until next time,

Kev