We are seduced by loud voices who get our attention by blaming the problems we face on people who are different. Different thoughts, different experiences, different levels of affluence and education are easily weaponized in an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
In this environment, control is the only metric that matters. Its pursuit sharpens divisions and kills any incentive to work together toward a better world for everyone.
I thought about this when we took Juliette to “Altitude,” a kids trampoline place she loves. Our granddaughter exemplifies difference. She looks different. Her brain processes things differently. She is capable of immense love and kindness. She can also be intransigent and mono-focused to the point where she forgets what she wanted in the first place.
In her moments of temper, I have had to learn how to be patient, to seek approaches that can show her the benefit of cooperation. Because of her differences, people are sometimes uncertain about how to interact with her. I can teach them by modeling behaviors that help build trust, confidence, and compassion.
Two of the most important lessons Jules has reinforced are these: Everything can be beautiful and growth takes time. We are in a hurry to respond to someone’s message, to get to the head of the line, to advance at all costs. We seek the one easy approach when the river of life requires exhausting sojourns down many tributaries.
It’s the diversity of the view that shows us the way. Taking the time to appreciate differences can reveal un-imagined treasures.
