This last week I spent some extended time up at a science camp with a bunch of sixth graders. The program is fabulous and the mountain setting was great. But the very best part was the opportunity to spend extended time with the kids.

Kids are kids, and just because they attend a Christian School or come from Christian homes doesn’t guarantee anything. But I have to say that I was encouraged as I watched them interact with each other and the adults in camp.

Unsolicited, I heard any number of gracious remarks (things like “I know it’s your birthday, sure hope it’s fun for you.”). I watched young men open doors for women. I saw a boy reach for a girl’s arm as she started to slip in the snow.

Guys volunteered to give up their place in line (in the dining hall no less!) so an adult could go on ahead. One of the boys made two extra trips to make sure I had silverware and something to drink.

One of the boys offered to carry my backpack and another made sure my luggage got to my room.

None of these gestures of kindness were forced. Their Mamas are just raising gentlemen. And that alone is worth cheering about!  The reverberations are worth noting too. Gentlemen encourage women to be more gentle too.  And gentle men and women create a kinder and gentler society for everyone to experience.

So moms keep up the good fight. Raise a young man who is strong and kind. Teach him that a caring spirit is very attractive. Insist that he defer to ladies, children, the weak and the elderly. We need those men in our homes and schools and in the marketplace.

If what I saw last week is a precursor, we should be encouraged!

Titus 3:1-2 “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”