on the topic of tolerance

Recently I have been involved in a small family squabble regarding the expression of opinions and how to respect them. This squabble became very heated but has been mostly resolved. Related to the subject of the squabble was the question of religion and religious tolerance. (I like the word acceptance a bit more as tolerance seems to imply someone is putting up with something rather than really being OK with it.)

I personally feel very confident in my faith (and have for most of my life) but there are members of my family that do not subscribe to organized religion and have differing beliefs from my own. I do not personally have a problem with this in any way, shape, or form but my parents, being rather uptight and set in their ways (for lack of a better term), certainly do. Upon disagreement regarding any religious topic my mother feels a renewed sense of urgency in praying for souls. She has been that way for as long as I can remember and by now I have grown used to her religious rhetoric and cannot be bothered by it. I love my family: they're the only one I have! And I have become comfortable with our differences and similarities and how to negotiate them (for the most part).

I have realized that just because some things work for me does not necessarily mean that they work for others. This has been difficult for me to come to terms with (as I have always been taught that there is a "right" and "wrong" way) and I truthfully still struggle with this idea.

On the topic of religion there is one principle that I feel is at the center of my faith and every other also. It is not always easy for me to remember, being imperfect as I am. But on the whole I do try to stick to this idea. -->

Norman Rockwell is pretty stinkin' awesome. His pictures wonderfully illustrate humanity as it is and, ideally, as it could be. This picture is one that I've loved for a very long time and I think fits very well with this post.

People are people no matter where you go. We should all strive to remember that everyone is valuable (even though they may not agree with our beliefs/opinions and may drive us up a wall) and has something to offer. Kindness and understanding is necessary to achieve cooperation and peace.

I'm working on being nicer: I am not always successful and there are people that have an extraordinary talent for getting the worst out of me. But I'm trying.