“Divergence is the process of thinking broadly, of expanding one’s mind, of going places where one does not normally go.” Unknown (Artwork by Kelly Rae Roberts)
We think we voted right, but so do the millions who cast their ballot for the other candidate.
I wonder why we ignore the fact that the opposing party believes as adamantly as we do. They’re sure their contenders are intelligent, qualified and forthright. The same as we believe about our presidential team.
Several years ago an election went awry according to a friend.
“You have no idea how upset I am. I’m thinking of moving out of the country,” she said.
No, I couldn’t relate to how she felt that election year. However, I bet it was similar to how I felt four years prior when the votes swung in her party’s favor.
But swing it must.
It took me a while to accept divergence is necessary. Opponents come to the table with a different perspective. Opponents offer up varied issues.
Opponents, like opposites, create balance.
Mountains. Valleys.
Joy. Sadness.
Salt. Sugar.
If one party dominates, we risk overspending on military programs. If the opposing party rules, the concern is excessive spending on social programs. I believe it’s no coincidence the two primary political parties in our country are close in number, balanced.
It seems God put the world together this way. What will we do when it doesn’t swing to our liking?
WRite wHere I’m supposed to be – I’m doing my best to accept (rather than be agitated by) the other political party, differing opinions, opposite-of-happy emotions. The list goes on.
On the side: I’m posting this before hearing election results. What I’ve written here is influenced by a strong desire to have my candidate win and an equally strong desire to feel okay in the morning if he doesn’t.
Good night, America.
Also on the side: Check out the website of artist Kelly Rae Roberts.
Thank You for your refreshing perspective. I read your blog the morning after & wish my facebook newsfeed was not filled with all the upset, doom & gloom, anger, even joy, victory. I wish for us all to work together \’for the good of the people, our country, our future\’. Divergence is like commitment without attachment. Now if we can only pass that thought along to our Congress. HMMM!
Roslyn, I so appreciate your comment. I\’m like you, I want my friendly and safe feeling newsfeed back. My dad taught me to cast my opinion at the polls, accept the result gracefully and quietly (whether a win or loss), and move on without running over others. Because of that, I debated whether to share this post. I decided to go ahead with it because it\’s not about politics, it\’s about perspective. And I love that you used that word in your comment. Thank you.
Love the post. Love the artwork. Hope you\’re feeling good. 🙂
I always appreciate your comments, Anjana. <3 Isn't the artwork beautiful? And this one's especially up your alley.
I've followed the artist for more than a year and finally found a shop to buy one of her pieces. Since then I've seen her work in several places, but only when we're Upstate SC. On the prowl for it here.
<3 = heart 🙂
Love this post, Kim! Yes, each of us feels different feelings today but loved your reminder that it is about balance. One time one side wins, another wins the next time – our pendulum swings back and forth – everyone gets a turn sometime. Who knows what this means for our country but here we are poised on the brink of possibilities. Cindy
Awww, Cindy. So nice to read your comment. It was an emotional election (I guess they all are) and reactions are all over the place today.
I\’m grateful that for a number of years, I\’ve understood those who think and vote differently from me do it with the same passion I\’m feeling. It helps me to scroll my FB newsfeed, field phone calls, and listen to comments in public with com-passion.
Hugs to you and David.
I recognize balance every time I swing by it.
Hahaha. Me too, Bob. I shared that same quote in a blog post somewhere back there. I love it!