Sincere admission #1: there are issues where my opinion is wrong.
Sincere admission #2: there are places in which my perspective is way off.
And sincere admission #3: there are issues and places where my opinion and perspective are wrong, way off, too narrow, misguided, missing info and more — and I don’t know it. I’m blissfully convinced I’m right even when I may unknowingly not be.
That reality necessitates that we ever employ humility, compassion and curiosity. Let me always be aware that there is so much I don’t know… and dare I say, don’t know that I don’t know.
Such is what makes it 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 few weeks, you will hear from an articulate group of communicators from all sorts of backgrounds. They are ages 20-something to 80-something. 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 volunteerism, accepting others, and lies we commonly believe. You’ll hear about tariffs, birds and a little bit of baseball. You’ll also hear the journey of one set of parents, for whom the tragic death of their son is leading to so much more. So many stories… as author/researcher Brené Brown likes to say, “Maybe stories are data with soul.” You will get a glimpse into the soul of another.
But let me again share what each of 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, as is my annual practice, I will take a bit of a respite. I believe in intentional rest, and I’m grateful that while I have come a little late to that understanding in life, I find the routine practice to be physically, emotionally and spiritually necessary and refreshing.
I will thus utilize this time of rest to engage in a season of gratitude, 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 or inaccurate — and I’ve been unwilling to see them? … 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 always secondary to listening well… loving my neighbor well, too.
We learn from one another. We learn from diverse voices. We learn from the stories of others.
Time for this year’s Guest Writers Series. I can’t wait…
Respectfully…
AR