Look for that common thread

 Whether you’re gathered together with some friends on a summer afternoon, or just sitting around watching the evening news, you can find some hot topics for discussion. Some people think like you do. And some do not. Isn’t it aggravating when you can’t make someone see things your way? Yet that is the way of life. No matter where you go, some people will agree passionately with you; others will passionately disagree. It can be as simple as how strong to make coffee. It can be as complex as gay marriage. But the end result is always the same… some people believe as you do and some do not.

Does that mean we keep making divisions in our world, our lives – because there is some disagreement? Do we really want to keep “splintering” our community apart until we’re left all alone? Because, I bet we don’t perfectly agree on everything with any one person.

Let’s be more tolerant of each other, eh? One or two differences in a person does not “ruin” the whole person. That person probably has a dozen other agreeable, wonderful traits. You don’t have to like everything about a person. And you can probably find something about a person to like – if you really look. (note: the same holds true for yourself – you don’t have to like everything about yourself, but there are some agreeable characteristics about you. It’s the first step to loving neighbor as yourself)

I remember a quote from an old Ziggy cartoon: Be nice to people. Not because they deserve it, but because that’s the kind of person you are.

Find something to love about the people around you today. Okay?

·        You have been an inspiration to me

·        Thanks for all your help

·        I appreciate your involvement