While writing in my journal this morning, something very important jumped off the pages. Anyone who knows me will tell you I look for the positives in every situation. Granted, sometimes it takes some searching, but, it does work. One can always find something they can glean from the experience that will help them stay focused on what is working, rather than what is not working. This morning was no exception. 

What was realized this morning was how very fortunate we are to live in the United States. With all the hubbub about our differences, politically speaking, what is splattered all over the media is who is "right" and who is "wrong," regarding social, economic, and spiritual concerns. Elections have a way of bringing up our differences and putting them "on trial" for all of us to pick who's "right" and who's "wrong."

This morning I was reminded how blessed we all are to live in a country that allows such free expression. How marvelously open we are to speaking about our differences; and, when all is said and done, most in this country are open to listening to the various views. Oh, sure we get "fired up" about views completely opposite from our personal ones; however, consider how fortunate we are to be able to have them openly discussed. Many countries do not have such freedoms.

So, consider the blessings we have when someone begins speaking about their views that are strongly different from our own and remember how fortunate we are to live in a country where we are not physically punished for such openness. Hopefully realizing that will give us the opportunity to step back and move away from the emotions of the differences and really listen with an open heart. Every view represents something someone feels in their heart, and listening from that perspective may allows us to "hear" them differently. We may not agree, and that's perfectly fine, but at least we can realize it's another perspective someone has that's different than ourselves. It does not mean one of us is "right" and the other "wrong," it's comes from a place of two different ways of seeing things in life. Somewhere in the middle common ground can be found. 

In this country, we have the personal freedom to accept their views as their views, rather than personal differences that can often create strive. It is one of the most precious freedoms we have in this country - the right to choose - and it is based on our individual beliefs. Just as importantly, people are taking a stand when what is spoken from a heart lacks love and respect, and, they are having an influence on bringing change to such unloving actions. As we move in this direction, there will be more peace among us, rather than animosity based on wanting to be "right." Instead, we will are given an opportunity to come from compassion - now how tremendously uplifting is that! I am so very grateful to live in such a country!