Showing courtesy in simple ways

I went to a meeting last Friday at The Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City with the Board.   It was a rainy, stormy day from start to finish and by the time I arrived, I had dealt with problems at home on the phone, worried about the weather, left the house at 6:30 a.m. and worried about whether I would even make the meeting, and struggled with my aching back which does not do well in cars when it is stormy.

I walked in and the men kept talking as did many of the women.  No one stood to greet me and asked if they could help me get in carrying all the books and parasols, or told me where my packet was and to get a cup of coffee.  Most of them had driven less than a mile to get there.   Some of us came from many miles away.  I was aghast at their lack of courtesy.  I have hosted many meetings and never have I not been there to welcome members (or had someone briefed to handle this).  The men were in conversation and did not bother to stop their conversation or rise to greet the speaker of the morning.
Sheer rudeness.   Courtesy is such a simple art.  

  So what did I do?   First I wondered what the Bible said about such simple courtesy and it was right on target.  Titus 3:2 says, "..to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle and to show perfect courtesy toward all people."   This was far from perfect courtesy.

To even add to it, I wrote several members of the board and told them my thoughts and feelings.  We shall see what their idea of courtesy is.   At age 74, one has the right to speak up!  I consider that benign courtesy!