Messiness in Differences ~ Carole Syse

Staff, March 28, 2021

"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." ~1 Peter 3:8

ARGH!  When did I become the oldest person in the meeting?  In the past few months, I’ve realized I’m becoming the old timer on my team.  Point of reference:  it never fails to bring a smile or laugh when the Syse landline rings during a work Zoom meeting. In seriousness, what we experienced globally in 2020 was a heightened sense of differences, and thank goodness many found grace in those differences.  It’s easy to be discouraged as division becomes reality.  If we embrace the differences we find in others, there may be a better sense of common ground. This doesn’t mean we give up our beliefs or morals. Instead we find ways to welcome each other into a respect-filled dialogue. How can we be better together if we don’t listen and learn?

King of Kings – we are different and unique. We can find goodness in others and common ground.  Help us choose to be better than our differences and find empathy in our mindsets. Help us listen first to understand better. No matter what our bias, help us love our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.