Be kind; forget the hands, fingers and smartphones

The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to get in touch with our better natures.

Unfortunately, rudeness abounds, creating Grinch-like conditions.

It’s almost becoming a daily occurrence.

“Thank you” and “please” are replaced with expletives. It’s not only spoken infractions, it’s also body language. A stiff, outstretched arm with an equally stiff hand is presented to someone’s face. There’s another hand gesture we can’t even describe; it would be rude.

It can happen in traffic, while shopping. And where words are concerned, social media is a very public stage for rudeness.

On the flip side, social media also has its share of defenders of decency. There are some who call out, condemn and expose bad behavior on those same social media sites.

Kudos to those who use the Internet to champion kindness.

Perhaps it’s not even words, gesture or posts.

It can be complete disregard for nearby humans. How many times have you been around folks who have their face stuck in smartphones and tablets? They choose not to engage in actual conversation or human interaction.

A few years back, the book “Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, or Six Good Reasons to Stay Home and Bolt the Door” was popular. It chronicles rude behavior. I don’t believe we could or should bolt the door . I believe we should look to another book for insight and advice regarding rudeness whether we are on the giving or receiving end of it.

The good book, the Holy Bible, tells of the Savior’s birth, which we celebrate and honor this month.

The Bible also tells us to be slow to anger and speak, yet quick to hear. Timeless advice.

Where does the rude behavior come from?

A number of reasons are at play. I think a big reason is a sense of self-entitlement, as there are many who believe the world exists to please and indulge them and them alone.

It’s a flawed and ill-informed viewpoint.

Sometimes, the rudeness comes from a bad day or overwhelming circumstances.

Growing up, my father would often tell me, “Don’t let your mouth write a check your backside can’t cash.”

My sister-in-law puts it another way, “Don’t let your alligator mouth overrun your tadpole backside.” We are all guilty of having a bad day or moment. If we are being honest with ourselves, we all have alligator mouth moments. No one is perfect.

But realizing our wrongs and apologizing to those affected is the creed to follow in life. It’s a practice the Bible encourages.

So during this Christmas season, let’s give one another the gift of being considerate, polite, caring and compassionate. If we run into a grinch, be kind to him or her and don’t get pulled into their pit of poor manners. Don’t be tempted to match their tone or attitude. Be cheerful, and it will more than likely disarm or stun the grinch out of his or her bad ways.

A kind word, deed or gesture can be a strong testament and wake up call.

Furthermore, give someone the gift of listening to their concerns, fears and joys. Be sympathetic and encouraging when those sentiments are appropriate. Be genuine about those sentiments. We shouldn’t avoid or demean one another. We should treat others the way we want to be treated.

It’s a way to be in touch with our better natures and inspire others to do the same all seasons and times of the year.