Bonding despite differences

My 8-year-old daughter, Cadyn, had her first soccer game this past weekend. She really enjoyed herself and her mother and I both had a great time watching her play. The coaches did an outstanding job and I am thankful to live in a community where folks volunteer their time to help children.

The thing that struck me the most is how each girl on the team was different and brought a different style to the sport. Some were aggressive and really got after the ball. Others were more timid and circled the group waiting for their chance to get a foot on the ball. All of them were determined and really loved playing.

You could see the bonds forming between the girls as the game progressed and

I would hazard to guess that some strong friendships were formed during that one soccer game. There were no harsh words or anger displayed and it was amazing to watch these individual little girls become a team right before our eyes.

It caused me to think what life would be like if grown-ups could form bonds that quickly. There was no judgment from the girls as to who was better or who could help them win. They all just wanted to play and have a good time together.

I am not naive enough to believe that adult society can be as accepting and open as children, but I do think that we can understand that the differences between us are what really can pull us together and make us a stronger society.

The good Lord made each of us unique and gave each of us special talents and abilities. Many of these talents and abilities are enhanced when we combine them with the talents and abilities of other individuals.

Understanding our neighbor can be a tough job sometimes. Why they do things or how they do things can be baffling to us. But the simple act of taking a second and trying to understand things from their point of view can be an eye-opening experience. We may learn something that will impact us for the rest of our lives.

Even if we never come to an understanding, does that mean we are incapable of learning anything from that person? I don’t believe that for one second. Everyone brings something to the table.

Okay, so maybe life is a little more demanding and challenging than a child’s soccer match. Maybe life will never be that simple, but isn’t it worth a try?

What gives us better chances to not only learn from others, but to also teach them, acceptance or denial?

What allows us the greatest opportunity to express our beliefs and demonstrate what we believe, inclusion or exclusion?

Like it or not, we are all in this together and I like to remember what Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”