This post is a little random. But I was thinking about it after taking our family to see The Tale of Despereaux. Two thumbs up, by the way! So good. And one of the scenes is a powerful depiction of forgiveness. I won't ruin the storyline, but the phrase, "I'm sorry," changes everything.
I feel like my job as a parent is to teach my kid's three phrases: please, thank you, and I'm sorry. Those three phrases are three keys that will open any door.
"Please" symbolizes a humble approach to life without a sense of entitlement. It is the magic word. Or think of it as the master key. A simple "please" will open doors nothing else can.
"Thank you" symbolizes a grateful heart. When you stop saying "thank you" it stops the flow of blessing. But if you genuinely thank people when they do something for you, it keeps the door open.
And "I'm sorry" symbolizes courage. Why? Because it takes tremendous courage to admit that you were wrong. But if you learn to say "I'm sorry" when you make a mistake it reopens doors that have been closed.
So to recap...
"Please" opens doors. "Thank You" keeps them open. And "I'm sorry" reopens closed doors.
I know that sounds awfully simplistic. But the happiest and healthiest people are the people who are really good at those three things. They have mastered the three phrases.
I feel like my job as a parent is to teach my kid's three phrases: please, thank you, and I'm sorry. Those three phrases are three keys that will open any door.
"Please" symbolizes a humble approach to life without a sense of entitlement. It is the magic word. Or think of it as the master key. A simple "please" will open doors nothing else can.
"Thank you" symbolizes a grateful heart. When you stop saying "thank you" it stops the flow of blessing. But if you genuinely thank people when they do something for you, it keeps the door open.
And "I'm sorry" symbolizes courage. Why? Because it takes tremendous courage to admit that you were wrong. But if you learn to say "I'm sorry" when you make a mistake it reopens doors that have been closed.
So to recap...
"Please" opens doors. "Thank You" keeps them open. And "I'm sorry" reopens closed doors.
I know that sounds awfully simplistic. But the happiest and healthiest people are the people who are really good at those three things. They have mastered the three phrases.
7 Comments:
great post mark!
i'm sorry also teached humility and vulnerability...not bad character traits to display in our relationships
My Son is 3 years old, and yes those are the three things I am trying to teach my son and his dad (yes that would be me).
great post
I read this post to my 7 year old son
That was awesome! Gonna steal it for the next time I do a parenting class. Are you cool with that?
Yes, it is simplistic...but that's why it is so meaty. Too often we need the "next" book, the "next" seminar, the "next" whatever..instead of "doing" what we already know...
But we all leak...that's why we need "simple" reminders.
So, please accept my "thanks."
Encouraging! As a mum I'm often second-guessing alot of what I do in raising my kids and wanting to do the best job I can. One thing I've been relentless about is please, thank you and sorry. My 3½ yr old is finally getting to grips with this, my 1½ yr old is starting! Teaching them also keeps me on my toes, as I need to set the example and do it myself. Thanks for the reminder and encouragement that these simple things are hugely important.
Thanks for the post! I've been wanting to see the movie and your insight makes me want to watch it even more! Such a simple message, yet so profound!
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