On one of my last days on the ropes course this season, there was a group of kids who were really challenged to work together. Their first task was to come up with a team name. Some students in the group built walls instead of bridges with their classmates, digging their feet into the ground and not opening their ears to hear what their classmates were saying.

After giving them time to try and work it out on their own, I found myself saying to them, “you may not always agree, but try to find a common thread so you can work together towards your goal.”

After the words came out of my mouth I realized how these kids were showing on a small scale what the world is looking like more and more these days; people closing their ears to listen to those who think differently than them and the unwillingness to seek the common thread which will help us work together.

With the week ahead, I invite you to join me to…

pause. breathe. pray.™

May we choose to be the ones who listen to others, who are willing to help bridge the gap and choose to find the common thread we have with others, even if we aren’t in full agreement with them on everything.

Our kids are watching.

May we teach them what it looks like to be able to listen to those who have different views, respectfully disagree with others, and how to be a bridge that helps close the gap so we can come together with others, and work towards a common goal.

With love and hope,

Shawn

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‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ - Matthew 22:39