In the last few months, well honestly since covid, we have seen greater animosity and hostility toward each other over small and big things. But that is so devisive, so destructive. I closed out most of my social media accounts because the anger and frustration was so much i could not take it. And it seems that so many people are edgy, tense, anxiety riddled…. Yes i get it, and i can relate. In my 65 years on the earth i cannot remember another time when people have been so wired up, so polarized, so divided.
Ok, so we don’t share the same opinions on life in general, but that is what makes life interesting. Agreeing to disagree in an agreeable manner is the call for us now that the election nonsense is over. Half of us will be upset, angry, or worse. Its hard. We can all know that at times in this life things are not as we hoped. But we have each other. And the simple things of being good neighbors, civil coworkers, friends even though we are different.
Recently we visited a friend that is an amazing artist and gardener, and there on the lawn was a big political sign that was very different from my views…. i took a deep breath and realized they are a friend, and we have so much more in common than we do differences….. They deserve to still be my friend. We can agree to differ on the politics because the greater importance is keeping friends we value. In this cancel culture world that is probably a very radical thought.
Leading up to the election the news media was peddling that civil war is coming. It does not have to happen. I think we are smarter than that. That is why I am asking you, my readers, to take a deep breath, perhaps say a prayer, and determine to live up to the standard our parents and grandparents held of being civil, kind, supportive and move on together. Find the common good in others, not the things that divide us.
In a great way the Amish are leading the nation in showing us how to be. They heard of the great needs of the people of western north carolina and have rallied building crews to go and build tiny homes on site. The people they are helping are likely far different than the Amish- but they said they need to do this to help out, they have the skills and the resources and let them go… wow.
so the bottom line is take a deep breath, and remember the good in others, and let that unify us as a nation. We can do it. I have confidence in all of us.