The Thread of Commonality

One of the most unexpected and rewarding things I have encountered in my fairly new journey of blogging is the support and encouragement I receive through the blogging community. Before, and even when I started, I was very doubtful anyone would ever want to read what I shared, and I still hesitate to dream big on reaching a wider audience.

The other and awesome side of it all is the chance to do something in return. I have found reading, supporting, encouraging others and engaging with them so very rewarding and often times find myself shedding a tear or having a smile on my face as I read someone’s post. I relish the range of thoughts that are translated into script.

No matter how unique, individualised or nonconformist we are there is a hunger for belonging, to feel that someone out there gets me.

As we admire and appreciate each person’s unique style of blogging and celebrate their individuality, I was reminded that there is this underlying thread of commonality that we search for to connect. I connect with some, based on my faith, some with a shared love for books, or a shared love to bake, the love to write, some give me a glimpse of a life I would never experience or know and, and numerous other different things. So, yes, this thread of commonality makes us connect, and we learn and appreciate each other’s differences.

Why confine this to one aspect of our life, but let this spill over in our daily interactions. In a time where everyone is quick to make you feel different and isolated, let us take the initiative and look for that thread of commonality.

In the account of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery that we read in John 8:3-11. Everyone was quick to judge and condemn her, people around her saw only her sin and the difference. Besides this passage showing us God’s love, mercy and forgiveness, we see something else, Jesus bringing to the forefront the thread of commonality between her and her accusers, that we are all sinners and we all need Jesus. Instead of being quick to see someone else’s flaws, let us be tolerant and forgiving like our heavenly father. And as we continue on in our Journey, let us look for the thread of commonality between each other, rather than be quick to discriminate and isolate.

Barbara Deming quote resonates with me

“The Longer we listen to one another-with real attention-the more commonality we will find in all our lives. That is, if we are careful to exchange with one another life stories and not simply opinions.”

We are blessed with choices and experiences that define us. Let us celebrate our differences, with respect.  From that foundation, may we look for that thread of commonality and gain a better understanding of each other.