During a recent trip to the grocery store, a young mother had the opportunity to teach her toddler what it means to be considerate. As the two walked inside, a man rushed past them, flicking his cigarette butt to the ground. 

“Mommy, that man is SO inconsiderate!,” the little girl yelled. 

On one hand, mom was thankful. Her daughter apparently FINALLY understood her repeated instruction on the inconsideracy of littering. What she lacked, however, was understanding when and where it’s appropriate to mention it! 

Forgivable for a child, perhaps. But as we mature, we must also learn what it means to be considerate. 

To consider means “to think carefully, or pay attention to.” In other words, consider the consequences of our actions, pay attention to how our words make others feel, or consider an alternative viewpoint.

For example: 

• If I litter, who’s going to clean it up?  
• If I don’t return this cart, who will?
• If I say this, how will it make her feel?
• I wonder why he came to that conclusion? 

Today’s Peace of Wisdom can be found by stopping to consider how our words and actions affect others.