Perspectives (Ruth’s SOLS 17/31)

I’ve been serving on a committee at my church for a couple of years. It is a committee which was formed for a purpose and now the purpose is almost complete. I was heavily involved in the process early on, but haven’t been as active the past several months. I was honored to be asked to be part of this process.

The group is made up of individuals coming from a wide-range of backgrounds. I like this. I like being able to hear viewpoints which are different from my own. I like the way my views and opinions either change or become solidified through listening to conversation. I like becoming aware of the different perspectives in the world.

I’m amazed how much I have learned and grown because of this group of people. I’ve learned what it means to put aside personal opinions for the good of the group. I’ve learned to respect and love others, in spite of their beliefs being the polar opposite of mine. I’ve learned to listen and allow others to influence my thinking. At the same time, I’ve learned when to hold firm to the things which I believe in the most. I’ve learned unity doesn’t come from consensus, but from trust and respect of others. Most significantly, I’ve grown in my faith.

All of this because a leader invited me to be a part of a group of people I wouldn’t normally interact with, to work for a purpose I wouldn’t normally find energizing. Although all practical reasons told me to say, “No” to the commitment, I knew I was called to be part of the group. So I said yes. At the time I didn’t know why I should be part of the group.

I’m glad to see some of the reasons revealed and marvel at the lessons learned. Lessons, I would have never recognized had I not taken a few minutes to write about this slice of today. Lessons which I’m anxious to see applied to other parts of my life.