React with Love

Regardless of where you stand when it comes to the results of the US Presidential election, it’s undeniable that we are a country divided, plagued with the ugliness and tension that comes from division.

Some are elated, some are disheartened. Many are in shocked disbelief (good or bad), while others find themselves in enraged denial. But this pep talk is not about politics, not even a little bit. It’s about leaning in and loving on people.

Not just people who agree with us, but also those who don’t. It’s about listening with an ear to understand and having empathy even when we don’t have agreement. Because we can choose to live with division. We can choose to live separated by politics, race, economics and creed. Or we can look beyond what makes us different and embrace what makes us the same… our humanity. At the most basic level we share our humanity with every man, woman and child on the planet. But we easily forget our common bond.

My encouragement to you today, as we stare down a new week, is to remember that regardless of where we stand and regardless of what we hold dear we have a choice. We have a choice and an opportunity to treat one another with love and kindness. We have the choice to not let disagreement lead to fractured division. We have a choice to not let differing opinions lead to condemnation. We have a choice for our reaction in every situation to be one rooted in love.

React with love this week. Respond with love. Even when it’s not easy. Even when it’s not your instinctive reaction. You won’t regret it.