I sat back to observe today,

despite our differences.

One red.

One blue.

One pro.

One con.

We’ve convinced ourselves

that every opinion deserves an argument

and every disagreement demands a response.

But does it?

We don’t have to agree on everything.

We don’t have to talk about politics.

We don’t have to talk about religion.

Once upon a time,

neighbors borrowed sugar

without first asking

who they voted for.

Friends shared a meal

without discussing party lines.

People sat on front porches

and talked about life

instead of trying to win it.

We say we should be able to talk about anything.

Maybe we can.

But somewhere along the way,

conversation became competition.

Listening became waiting for our turn to talk.

Look at the world around us.

Maybe our ancestors were right.

Maybe it’s best not to discuss politics and religion

when the goal isn’t understanding,

but winning.

Maybe we should focus on basic morals.

Simple respect.

Common decency.

Grace for those around us.

People survived before social media.

People didn’t nail their beliefs

to every tree, pole, and fence post

for the world to see.

Just because it’s easy

doesn’t mean you should.

Just because you can

doesn’t mean it’s right.

Maybe the goal was never agreement.

Maybe the goal was respect.