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What makes your heart tick? Are you an artist, scientist or musician? Do you love working with your hands? Do you enjoy working with people? Are you an athlete? Are you one of the quiet ones finding pleasure in the details of life that so often get taken for granted? I am often overwhelmed by the numerous ways people contribute to the beauty of this world. In my mind I imagine each of us with a gift in our arms aching to give it away. Each unique individual on the planet has something that only they can give, and every gift is precious.
Ironically, though we are all so different, we are also the same. It goes right down to the core of who we are. We want our gift to be accepted and we need to be loved. Sadly, many times our gifts may be rejected and we may find ourselves feeling hurt or betrayed. How we handle ourselves during these times defines us and refines us. It shows us who we really are.
It’s also helpful to realize that what we have to give might not be a good fit for someone else. If I’m trying to give milk to someone who is lactose intolerant, obviously they won’t appreciate that. Not because they don’t want to accept me, but because they can’t drink milk.
Sitting at my computer tonight I found myself in a quandary. I’ve been extremely disturbed by hateful things people are saying and doing to others who disagree with them. I believe that these caustic words and actions are coming from hearts that are hurt and people who don’t know how to respond when their gifts or ideas are rejected. This has got to stop. Words matter, actions matter, kindness matters.
It’s ok to disagree with someone. It’s ok to believe different things. It’s not ok to disparage or belittle someone because they have an opposing view. It’s not ok to riot in the streets or disobey the law because we are unhappy. We are better than that.
Now more than ever is the time for people to come together and respect each other. We can always be kind, even if we can’t always agree. Let’s spread the love people and be grateful for the wonderfully diverse and beautiful world that we live in. Let’s live the vibrant life!
