Accepting others...

Accepting others...



     I often wonder why people treat others in ways less than desirable.  And why we can't be accepting of others when they're not like us.  It seems that if you're a free spirit or free thinker then other people can't relate and if they can't relate then they don't understand.  When they don't understand then they can't accept you or your way of thinking.  This doesn't seem fair to me.  Now I'm reminded of my mom and dad always telling me that "Life's not fair!"  I've heard this many many times throughout my life and now I'm having to teach this to my boys.  And that's really not fair.  I now understand when my mom would be upset if I was upset, because she wanted to fix it for me or make it better.  Even though she knew it was something that I'd have to learn on my own, it doesn't stop a mother from wanting to make things better for her children.  I will never understand why we all can't be accepting of each other just they way we are, after all God didn't make us all the same.

     I hope I'm understanding of others even if I don't agree with them.  I hope that I treat people the same no matter who's around.  What kind of message does it send when you treat people differently depending on who you're with?  I mean seriously, did Jesus treat people differently depending on who he was with?  If we are suppose to be Christians then shouldn't we be open minded and not judgmental of others and their actions?  Here's an example, I support our 2nd Amendment Right to keep and bear arms.  I realize there are lots of people in this country that don't support the 2nd Amendment, that's fine   if they don't support it but don't take my rights away because what I believe makes you uncomfortable or you don't agree with me.  That's what makes this country the best, we can all have our opinion and beliefs, no matter how different they may be, all because people have stood up for that right.  Our soldiers; past, present, and future have sacrificed and some have paid the ultimate price so that we may have the right to disagree publicly!  What an awesome country this is!  Now this is a big example of what I'm talking about but here's another one...If you're truly friends with someone then it shouldn't matter what road they take in life.  I have a few friends and family members that are non-believers of the Christian faith.  So does that mean that I can't be friends with them, even in front of my Christian friends?  I certainly think not!!!  If I'm your friend then I'm your friend no matter what!  Now that doesn't mean that I'm not going to tell you how I think or feel (I tend to tell others without holding back!) But by no way shape or form will I not love you and support you!  That's what I think it means to be friends and understanding of others.  I have a very dear friend that has very strong beliefs and has been very supportive of me and my big changes over the years and she treats me the same no matter who is around and what decisions I'm making.  But what I love is that she calls me out on my actions but never changes the fact that we're friends!

     My dad taught me this lesson when I was in junior high...he drove this 1979 Jeep, a hunting wagon junker and my mom drove an older model Mercedes.  Yes they're complete opposites!  My dad took me with him in his Jeep to the drive through at the bank to get some cash.  He looked a little rough with his long unkept hair and his faded button up shirt driving his junker Jeep.  The bank all but asked for his first born!  They hassled him to get cash out of his own account.  Then we went home and he combed his hair just a little and got in my mom's car.  We drove down to the same drive through at the same bank with the same teller and had absolutely no problem whatsoever to get cash from his account!  They didn't even recognize us, all they noticed was what we were driving!  This just didn't make sense to me and after a long discussion I began to understand.  Who are we to judge?  My dad taught me to never judge someone by the way they look, what they drive, where they live, etc.  Now I must teach my boys the same and it's difficult at best living in a world consumed with materialism!

     Now I'm trying to teach my boys to be understanding of others and their actions while standing up for how they feel!  It's hard to teach them to have strong convictions and not be easily swayed when some adults can't grasp this concept!  I understand that you must lead by example and that is exactly what I will do, no matter how hard it is.  Whether it's teaching them not to judge others by what they have or teaching them to be accepting of how others live their life even if others actions don't follow theirs, I will do my best!  Hey, nobody ever said this parenting gig was easy!  I know this is a little rambling but I really don't care...this is me!  And I will be me!  You know I'll Keep On Keepin' On!

Trinity