Common Things That Aren't Common

Many things in life that are considered “common” are not so common. For example, we hear about common knowledge and assume others have the same frame of reference that we do. In the process of conversation, we realize that neither party has a clue as to what the other is talking about.

We also refer to common sense. A quick trip to the store or any observation of the general population will quickly change our thinking. Common sense becomes, “I don’t think that fellow has a lick of sense!” Unfortunately, and too often, I have been “that fellow.”

I don’t know that common knowledge was ever very common or that the practice of common sense was a common practice. I do, however, believe that common courtesy was at one time much more common in our society. Children were taught manners and adults expected them to be mannerly. Adults who were not courteous were thought to be rude and often their company was shunned. Today, so many seemed so wrapped up in their own reality that they don’t seem to have the time or desire to demonstrate any level of courtesy toward anyone else.

I think our world would be a much more pleasant place if each of us took the time and effort to show a genuine attitude of kindness toward other people. Paul says that we should “always be kind to each other and to everyone else” (I Thessalonians 5:15). Jesus tells us to “do to others what you would have them do to you…”
(Matthew 7:12).

We should all do our part to make common courtesy much more common.