George and His Rules

George is making an impact on my children (and me!). His name comes up quite often and it is with a sense of excitement and delight, all because of some rules he set for himself. We read a couple of the rules everyday and then discuss them. The kids look forward to it and won’t let me forget. His little rules which he wrote when he was sixteen are transforming how we behave and how we think about others.

As an example, the twenty ninth rule reads,
“When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.”

Hmm…what does that mean? In our discussion we decided this meant,
Ladies/girls are considered before men/boys.
Elders are considered before youth.
Adults are considered before children (but not babies and young children).

In practice, we had the opportunity to allow a couple to take a path first as Madison and Chas stepped aside. Chas was so excited, it was the first thing he wanted me to tell Daddy.

So who is George? It’s George Washington. He wrote Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation which is available in print or online.

My hope and prayer is the blessing George’s rules are in our life will in turn bless others. As we show respect for all people and our behavior sets us apart, it will allow us the opportunity to be Salt and Light to those with whom we come in contact.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35