sometimes I’m the one

Sometimes I’m the one who says the wrong thing.

Sometimes I’m the one who has refused to give generous grace.

Sometimes I’m the one who has ranted and raved.

Sometimes I’m the one who has ignored the political hypocrisy because I like how that person votes.

Sometimes I’m the one who has acted as if it was ok to shout the dissenter down.

Sometimes I’m the one who has muted or snoozed the other.

Sometimes I’m the one who has acted like I know all the facts and the other clearly does not.

Sometimes I’m the one who has hung up.

Sometimes I’m the one who has justified insult.

Sometimes I’m the one who has watched only CNN, FOX News, or MSNBC and believed myself to have a comprehensive, accurate perspective.

Sometimes I’m the one who has allowed my friends to chastise my other friends on social media.

Sometimes I’m the one who has looked down on another.

Sometimes I’m the one who has responded with a “gotcha/mic drop” retort, thereby essentially refusing to converse wisely.

Sometimes I’m the one who has made excuses for the unscrupulous extremes who have attached themselves to my preferred party.

Sometimes I’m the one who has been unknowingly fooled by the opinion disguised as news.

Sometimes I’m the one who has determined the other isn’t worth listening to.

Sometimes I’m the one who has forgotten that even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

Sometimes I’m the one who has been pompous and rude. 

Sometimes I’m the one who has rejected giving extended, ongoing thought to the other side.

Sometimes I’m the one who thinks another has way more to learn than me.

And thus…

Sometimes I’m also the one in need of forgiveness.

Sometimes I’m also the one who needs to say I’m sorry.

Sometimes I’m also the one who needs to recognize that loving my neighbor, brother, sister, etc. doesn’t allow for me to be selective.

Sometimes I’m also the one who needs to recognize that respectful dialogue doesn’t depend on the subject.

And sometimes — no, always — I’m also the one who has more to learn…

No doubt each of us are one.

Respectfully…

AR