By Wendy Sapp, Lay Pastoral Care
The holidays can be stressful for everyone, but for Unitarian Universalists there is often the added challenge of celebrating religion-infused holidays with family members who may hold religious, social, or political views different than our own. Some choose to celebrate holidays with fellow UUs or other friends rather than our childhood family. Others choose to keep our mouths shut when the conversations turn controversial. Others dive right in to the fray and stand their ground come hell or high water. Some have families that agree to disagree and keep the conversation civil for the holidays. Regardless, we all face the decision of what to say, who to say it to, and when to say it throughout the holiday season.
And, sorry, I can’t tell you what you should do.
What I can offer is a quote that I saw this week attributed to Sam Lefkowitz.
When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty,
my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.
I thought about this quote in relation to the conversations we have (or don’t have) with our families and friends throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season. As I move through this holiday season and all the days ahead in 2018 and I am faced with people who see the world differently than I do, I hope to remember the following:
Whether you see our government as dominated by Republicans or Democrats, I am thankful that we live in a country that functions by the rule of law and the democratic process rather than by dictators and military coups.
Whether you see the world as too liberal or too conservative, I am thankful that we live in a society where people can (mostly) express divergent opinions.
Whether you see religious differences as a strength or weakness in our country, I am thankful we live in a country where the right to practice any religion one chooses, or no religion at all, is protected by law.
Whether you see LGBTQIA rights as human rights or special interest, I am thankful these issues are in the public discourse rather than hidden in secrecy.
Whether you see the perfect holiday meal as vegan, vegetarian, ominivorous, or paleo, I am thankful that we have enough healthy food to eat.
Whether you see me and my beliefs as a gift from heaven or evil-incarnate, I am thankful to be a human being, living with other equally beautiful and equally flawed human beings on our amazing, life-filled planet.
I wish you a peaceful holiday season.