butterfly hope

 When we look at others – try to view them through the eyes of acceptance.  Be amazed at their uniqueness – they are one of a kind – there will never be another person exactly like them.  As you, they have feelings, fears, insecurities – hope and dreams.  They have gifts to give to you and the world. By accepting others – we can more easily accept ourselves.

This is not saying that we need to approve or accept behavior that is contrary to what our personal moral truths are. Of course we are going to frown on those who take advantage of the helpless, which rob, kill and maim. To not would be to have our heads stuck in the sand like an ostrich.

Those are actions – they are not the soul. The old saying love the sinner not the person – is appropriate. There are those behaviors that are a determent to society – and should not be tolerated.

Understand – in those circumstances the “soul” is on a journey just as yours is. Pray for the soul to find peace – even if the body that it encompasses will need to pay retribution.

My thoughts on acceptance are actually directed to more of the routine people you will encounter during your daily lives – the boss, the neighbor, the store clerk, co-workers; the panhandler on the street. Some are black – some are white – Christian – Moslem – gay – straight. People who are trying to find their way in this world - just as you are.

By viewing these people as unique individuals – as an equal creation of God; you may gain some insight into your own life – just a bit. Everyone you encounter is a teacher – it is your duty to discern the lesson.

When you attempt to decipher the lesson you may be surprised at the insight gained. The “Jehovah Witness” who is always “annoying you with his doctrine – sublimely may be challenging you to find your own spirituality – or perhaps telling you that you are doing the same thing with you beliefs.

The boss who is always condescending – may actually be reflecting your behavior towards people who you feel are inferior to you.

If you are in a relationship where your significant other is always telling “white lies or big lies” – examine yourself.

I find by accepting people for who they are – individuals on a similar journey as mine, and expecting the best from them – that my life is more enriched.

As the Bible states – we need to be careful about pointing the splinter out in our neighbor eye, when we have a log in our own.

Imagine a world where we accept everyone for who they are –and allow them to be who they are without fear of judgment. There would be fewer wars – less crime – less chaos. It all starts at an individual level – start today to accept all – as having the equal right to follow their journey.