Psalm 136:1

"Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. God's faithful love lasts forever."

Reflection by Anthony B. Robinson

In her wonderful new book, Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting, author Pamela Druckerman notes that while American parents speak of two magic words—please and thank-you—our  French counterparts have four magic words. To our two they add bonjour, meaning hello or good day and au revoir, good-bye.

Druckerman reports that the French teach and expect their children to greet adults respectfully, saying bonjour and au revoir. Then she adds this interesting comment: "The effect of this is to rescue a child from his or her own ordinary selfishness."

In America we sometimes imagine that children are good by nature and only wonderful and unspoiled (at least until parents, school and society get a hold of them). On this one at least, I think the French are closer to the truth—and  closer to a challenging part of our faith. Especially now, at Lent, our faith reminds us that we all tend to be bent inward, given to self-deception and self-justification. In short, it reminds us of our own sinfulness—our  tendency to imagine we are the center of the world.

It's amazing that such a simple repeated practice, taught to children, as saying "hello" and "goodbye" to those they encounter could have such a large implication as "rescuing a child from his or her own natural selfishness."

Part of what is going on in worship and prayer, when we praise and thank God and join with others in the community of faith, is that we, too, are "rescued from our own selfishness." Such ordinary acts with such extraordinary meanings. Such small words with such large significance. One reason I am thankful for the church.

Prayer

I praise and thank you, Holy God, that you have given me the gift of life and of this day and pray that how I live today may be pleasing in your sight. Amen.

About the Author Anthony B. Robinson, a United Church of Christ minister, is a speaker, teacher and writer. His newest book is Stewardship for Vital Congregations, published by The Pilgrim Press. Read his weekly reflections on the current lectionary texts at www.anthonybrobinson.com/ by clicking on Weekly Reading.

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