One of my lovely young friends will be a bridesmaid in yet another wedding of her friends. Susanna is planning a Bridal Shower, a party, for the new bride, Adrienne. Susanna is having great fun planning decorations, food, and invitations. Adrienne has given her a list of around 40 of her 'closest friends' to invite.
Yet, amidst these wonderful plans is a big aggravation: Susanna has no idea of how many ladies will actually show up for the party, how many for which to have food ready. She put "Please RSVP" on the invitations. "RSVP" stands for an old French phrase, "respondez, s'il vous plais," which means, "respond (get back to me!!!), if you please." Do you think that folks know what this means and ignore it or, do they have no idea of its' meaning and are not curious enough to try to find out?
Now what could be easier than picking up the phone or e-mailing the hostess!!!? Yet Susanna has heard from only 5 of those invited, those she personally knew who she encountered in the grocery or gym. What about the rest?
Susanna is young but "old school," like me. We feel that courtesy and manners are important. This includes replying to invitations, sending personal written thank-you notes for gifts, among other social niceties. Rudeness is uncivilized!!
So what does Susanna intend to do about her shower? She says, "Well, I'll plan for about 20 to come. I just don't have the time to phone all those who didn't respond." Good luck, Susanna, let us know how many show up!
Dear Lord, are we too formal? Or, are common courtesies a way of expressing our caring? And what will we do when You, Lord, gently invite us to come to You in prayer?
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