Why the gracious are well remembered: 

How to make a lasting impression

Welcome to another addition of  "Triumphant Streams,"

This blog delves into the topic of being gracious.  The definition of gracious is as follows.

When we think of a gracious person we think of a dignitary. Such persons are very often trained in the art of decorum. From how to walk, eat, or give an acceptable greeting, decorum pervades the life of persons of status. Though the masses have long abandoned the necessity of proper etiquette, the truly powerful (for the most part) continue the traditions that make it appear that one is socially acceptable. But what about the common person?

There was a lady, now advanced in years, who, when raising her children would daily say to them - at the least hint of indecency, DON'T BE COMMON!  Her children, now middle aged, remember her saying so well.  Not knowing what it meant as children, they new through context clues that it was time to straighten up and fly right. 

The saying of that dear mother alludes to the fact that no one really has to be common.  The graces of nobility can indeed be adopted by any person regardless of social status. Some outstanding markers of those who have mastered a curtain level of social grace includes the three S's: sweetness, submission, and substantiation. 

Sweetness, as it is used for our purposes, refers to the gracious nature of a person.  This characteristic in a person comes out as being thoughtful and considerate. The next S is submission. A truly dignified person comes across as a man or woman under authority of a higher power.  They are well disciplined in all aspects. They follow codes of conduct that are mandatory for the role that they must fulfill in society. The final S is substantiation.  The word substantiation refers to "the act of proving or providing evidence." In the context of this discussion relative to substantiation, the question would be "what characteristics would indicate that one is indeed gracious?"

The Apostle Paul gives insight into what proofs gracious people give to their observers.  He speaks of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as being among the most desirable of virtues. 

Some examples of gracious acts include:

• Remembering to write thank you cards

• Holding the door for the person behind you

• Listening attentively to others, while reserving personal comments when they are not necessary

• Including others in activities

• Recognizing others and not drawing attention to oneself

• Showing kindness to those of low-estate

• Making a habit of smiling

• Maintaining a dignified and calm composure regardless of the situation

Those who do these things are most often well remembered.  They leave an impression of gentleness and a warm regard for others, despite the fact that they may have a higher rank in life. The late great Maya Angelou had this to say, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So. . . , if you would like to be remembered well, remember to be gracious.