Respect: A Lesson Learned in an Unlikely Place

Good day, dear reader. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me a valuable lesson about respect. It’s a story that took place in an unlikely location – an elevator.

Getting Stuck in an Elevator

Many years ago, I found myself stuck in an elevator. I was not alone; I was trapped with a young man, a stranger. The elevator had jerked to a halt between floors, and we were left in an uncomfortable silence, waiting for help to arrive.

Now, you might think this is a story about patience or resilience, but it’s not. It’s about respect. Let me explain.

The Lesson of Respect

The young man, anxious and impatient, began to lash out. He kicked the elevator doors, pounded on the walls, and cursed the building’s maintenance staff. I watched him, calm and silent, until he finally exhausted himself.

When he had quieted down, I turned to him and said, “Son, do you think the maintenance staff wanted this to happen? Do you think they’re not doing their best to get us out?”

He looked at me, surprised, and then looked down, ashamed. “No,” he admitted. “I guess not.”

“Respect,” I told him, “is not just about treating people well when they’re in front of you. It’s about understanding that everyone is doing their best, even if you can’t see it. It’s about giving people the benefit of the doubt.”

Respect: A Guiding Principle

That young man learned a valuable lesson that day, and I hope it’s one that you, dear reader, will take to heart as well. Respect is not just a courtesy; it’s a guiding principle. It’s a way of seeing the world that can make your life, and the lives of those around you, better.

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated or impatient, remember the story of the elevator. Remember that everyone is doing their best, even if you can’t see it. And remember to show them the respect they deserve.

Until next time, dear reader, remember to respect one another, and keep on learning.

Kev