Unity??

"Why can't everyone just think like I do?" I sometimes wonder.  "It would make things so much easier!"  Sometimes I'm so convinced that I'm right:  I have worked out the situation ever-so logically and methodically, and I know the best answer to a question; the best way to do this or that; the belief that makes the most sense.  But, others either disagree, or ignore me.  Imagine!!  (This is particularly notable with my 20-something children.  Why can't they just see it/do it like I do???)

But one of my great learnings over the past 20 or 30 years has been that, indeed, many people don't think the way I do.  In fact, their brains operate completely differently, and often their conclusions are different from mine, but make no less sense to them.  (THIS is particularly notable with my husband, who--quite unbelievably--thinks and acts VERY differently from me!!)

For most of my teen and early-20 years, I assumed that everyone thinks the way I think.  I could never quite understand, then, how they could come to a different conclusion.  There is a right--and there is a wrong--and anyone with a vastly different understanding or belief from mine is wrong.  My way is right.  Period.  End of story.

Except, it wasn't the end of the story.

Thankfully I have had a number of people move in and out of my life who have taught me differently.  They have gently led me to new understandings and beliefs--even complete turnarounds.  They have questioned me and discussed with me, and ever-so kindly led me across the floor, from disbelief to acceptance.  They have never devalued me; always respected me; and continued to love me through our differences.  WOW!  What an amazing life-lesson!

Aging has its downsides, but it also has a whole host of upsides.  Always learning from others; always being open to growth and change--and doing so gracefully; never hardening one's heart to those who think differently is one of those beautiful upsides.  For it leads to greater respect and love--and eventually to greater peace.  And isn't that what we all want for our lives, and for this world??

My only question is:  why did no one tell me this when I was younger??

Or, maybe they did, and I knew better!!