Here we are. It’s our sweet, annual summertime encouragement where we pivot to the manifestation of listening to diverse voice and perspective. As author Steve Goodier once cleverly quipped, “We don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note.”
Let’s be honest; the past 10 days there hasn’t been a ton of harmony; in fact, the days have been ripe for discord. I chuckle (sometimes it’s easier to chuckle than wrestle with the shockingly sad reality), but my strong sense is that if we only listen to likeminded voices, we walk away with an imbalanced ear.
Note the sobering, not-very-fun example in the week that was. As we each attempted to find a way to make sense of the President not making sense, many most addressed the lies of the former President. That’s valid. Also valid is addressing all the lies told to make us think the current President was cogent and ok. Hear that contrast as advocacy for no one; it’s not. It’s a reflection of varied perspective, which acknowledges there are indeed serious concerns about both the sitting and former President — and as of this posting, still the two primary Presidential candidates… albeit those odds decrease daily. Way too many feel like it’s acceptable to lie.
Friends, I don’t say that to egg anyone on. I have yet to corner the market on wisdom or perspective, and the reality is that such is never going to happen this side of heaven. Truth is, it’s not going to happen this side of heaven for anyone else either. There will always be things we don’t know, places in which we have inaccurate perspective, and places in which we have inaccurate perspective but are completely clueless of our own inaccuracy, passionate as we may be.
That said, it’s vital to listen to others. Let me say that differently. It’s vital to listen to a variety of others — people hailing from a wide range of varied social, ethnic, faith, political, educational, etc. backgrounds… people from different demographics… people with sundry stories. We often learn most when we lean into and listen to the story of one different than our own. Thank God for that beautifully insightful opportunity.
Hence, as delightfully said above, here we are.
It is time for one of the Intramuralist’s favorite practices, our annual Guest Writers Series! Over the course of the next 5 weeks, you will hear from an articulate group of communicators from all sorts of backgrounds. They are ages 20-something to 80-something (still cogent, of course). They represent various ethnicities, genders and political leanings. They have advanced degrees and no degrees. And they are passionate about a plethora of manifold matters. You will hear about Caitlin Clark, climate change, and the collective human experience. You’ll hear the journey of one parent who struggled with the all-of-a-sudden, somber diagnosis of a defect in her previously thought-to-be, totally healthy young son. You’ll hear about patriotism, Covid, and more.
But let me tell you what these gifted communicators most have in common…
They desire to share with you in a way — whether in agreement or not — that is respectful… that encourages you… that makes you think. They do not believe in insult. And they are wise enough to know that agreement is secondary to how you treat other people. Only one is a manifestation of wisdom.
In the meantime, I will take a bit of a respite… time to engage in a season of intentional rest, gratitude, and also travel and personal reflection. I’m eager to think and dream and pray and reflect… What should we talk about this fall? … What perspectives am I not all that humble about? … Where are my perspectives incomplete? … Where have I been unwilling to see potential inaccuracies? … Where can I grow?… Good stuff, friends… indeed, good stuff.
For the record, please know that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Intramuralist. I may agree. I may not. But again, agreement is secondary. That’s something I wish we all recognized a little more these days. It would help with the respect.
We learn from one another. We learn from diverse voices. Let this year’s Guest Writers Series begin. P.S. I’m so grateful they don’t all sing the same note.
Respectfully…
AR