Whenever I travel, I am amazed by the different landscapes, flowers and vegetation that I discover in a new place. Recently on a trip, this happened for me. It is interesting and good to engage with something new and embrace things for their differences from the regular surroundings of our own little world.
Most people stare with appreciation and gratitude for the blessing of being part of some unique and not seen before wonder. These moments become additions to our lives which change and increase our awareness and help us to grow in our education. These sights can be colourful, photo-worthy and breathtaking. It gives me a sense of the unending creativity of a God who loves variety. Usually a feeling of surprise overcomes me and is often accompanied by a quiet, joyful gasp.
The same can apply to people. There are the many cultural differences we encounter in other individuals from what we are used to in our own milieu. People who travel are always interacting with others for the first time and will often return home with stories of how different a place was and how different the people were. They value the experience in video and pictures and feel very enhanced by their well travelled adventures.
I began thinking why is it, then, that the same reaction is not always felt by some when they encounter a new immigrant or someone different who begins to blend into their country or even neighbourhood? This reaction can also happen with age, colour, race, language, religion, sexuality, or the many differences found in humanity. What about those people who want to become part of our world? Sometimes cultures that are appreciated when travelling and viewed as awesome and unique can take on a new perspective in alternate circumstances. The wonderful differences discovered while on a trip can take on a new meaning when one’s personal space is being “encroached” upon at home. We see this all the time. It is the “not in my backyard” syndrome.
The joyful gasp to which I referred earlier upon seeing something new in nature’s beauty is often changed when someone “different” moves in next door or is seeking asylum to your country. It is a gasp of fear, mistrust, dislike or a refusal to see any beauty in their difference, whatever that might be.
Is it because we can stand at a distance and view nature’s differences without involvement? Plants and flowers are just there to look at. We don’t have to socially engage. People require a personal response, a selfless, non-judgmental and welcoming openness. It requires an effort to KNOW them. What holds us back from acknowledging the surprise and beauty in the uniqueness of others? What makes us not want to know more about someone new? What makes us shun the notion that their individual beauty can add to our world, our communities, our lives?
We are all the same. We are born. We live. We work. We love. We experience joy and pain. We all bleed. We die. Yes we are the same ………..but different because God does love variety. Let’s celebrate our differences and hope someday for an accepted true equality without judgement.
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
April 15, 2018
