To each their own...

Birthday girl,Married Kat, has coined this quote recently. And, I'd like to borrow it. "To each their own."

We are all different. My friends, my family, my colleagues...we are all different.

I do not believe that we are called to fit together perfectly like a puzzle . I believe we are called to embrace other's difference while maintaining our own unique identity.

But, this is a challenge. Recently, I witnessed a situation which 'boiled over' due to varying expectations, miscommunication, and different personality types (thanks to Momma and T for listening to my venting). It touched my heart. I tried to mediate the 2 sides, acknowledge the emotions, and recognize that the ultimate goal was shared by both parties but the means of getting there varied. All ended respectfully well.

But, it made me think (psych major alert). We are all so different--biologically, culturally, emotionally, socially, economically, personality, nationality, etc. (The list could be longer than L's list for Santa Claus.)

I believe it's a gift from God when you 'click' with someone. When it's natural to share, love, and be grateful authentically. But, I also believe it's a gift from God when you may not 'click' with someone; that's when you are stretched to reach a hand out to another and challenged to entertain thoughts and perspectives from their point of view. With these thoughts, I believe the key to making situations work is being receptive. First, you must acknowledge and be receptive to entertain thoughts, comments, criticism, or advice.

Moral of the Story: As we all know...it's easier to say than do.

On a light note...Happy Birthday Married Kat! 24!

Christina, Married Kat, and Steph-August 2007