At one convention site last summer the report was made that “there was constant milling in the walkways. At one point the brothers measured the decibels of sound and more was coming from the restless people in the walkways than was coming from the sound system.” Does this not show a disrespect for Jehovah’s provision? One person who attended commented: “One day my children and I sat by a group of about ten young men and women old enough to know how to act at an assembly. They were constantly talking, laughing, eating, and [getting] up and down.” Such conduct is not loving or considerate, as it makes it difficult for others to concentrate on the program.

We do well to take advantage of this provision by staying in our seats during the program, paying attention to what is being said, taking notes and following along in our Bibles. One parent wrote this experience to the Society: “My children and I sat by a mother and her four children. They were well behaved but ate continually throughout the whole session. It was very distracting to other adults and children sitting nearby. This family also drank a lot of liquids, which necessitated their making several trips to the restrooms.” Certainly we do not want to be going in and out or eating during the program and distracting others from giving their undivided attention to what is being said.

At some hotels/motels where our brothers stayed, there were complaints from other guests, who were not there for the convention, indicating that Witness children were playing on the elevators and otherwise interfering with elevator service as well as unnecessarily riding the escalators. Others had grievances related to children using swimming pools after closing time and demonstrating a lack of concern for non-Witness guests. Christian parents certainly will want to watch their children and be observant of any regulations relative to the use of swimming pools or other facilities at these hotels/motels. Would it not be good to discuss this matter as a family before leaving for the convention city?