The Year Without Opinions

About four years ago, during the last election cycle, the idea was presented to me to try an experiment. While testing myself in areas of personal growth are not that unusual, this one seemed a near impossibility. I was going to, for a time, not allow my usually clearly expressed views on things to be uttered. This resulted in what became known as ‘The Year Without Opinions’.

Now, for anyone who knows me, such an experiment especially during an election year is nothing short of an act of God. And, yes, it was such an act. My usually freely divulged ideas and suggestions were kept under wraps, as it turned out, for over a year.

This was a good social experiment for me, as I spoke less and listened more. I still had my opinions, kept in my own thoughts, but some of them became refined, defined, and adjusted as I took the time and effort to actually hear what other people might be saying.

I learned a lot, about myself and other people.

I learned that my opinions, while valid, needed time to mature. I learned that other people have a lot to say and while I may not agree with all they express, it has a right to be said. I learned that there are times when ‘Silence is Golden’, and that quiet really does allow for wisdom to surface. I learned that sometimes people just want to vent and don’t need advise, just a listening ear.

Well, here it is, four years later and another national campaign cycle is in full force. Barak and Mitt are going into the trenches and their supporters on both sides are taking up their positions…

Let the comments begin!

Maybe not, maybe more of us could benefit from a year with our opinions. Maybe our political conventions, conversations, and indeed the election itself could benefit from people who choose to attend to facts and don’t spend time trying so hard to prove themselves right. Sometimes we’re not right and have been so intent in the process that a lot of negative energy and hurt feelings have been produced, and resulted in a waste of time and resources.

Am I suggesting that we not talk at all? Certainly not! One of the most valuable things I learned is to think before I speak. My first thought was “Is this an opinion?”, If it was, I didn’t say it. That took lessons in self control, self discipline, and the beauty of silence to a whole new level.

Now the thought process goes like this; “Is this an opinion?”, which leads to “If it is, is it appropriate?”, which leads to “If it’s appropriate, is it necessary?” Silence and thought for that long can diffuse many an argument.

So, as a suggestion in this election season, stop, think, express lovingly, and let your opinion be known appropriately, in the voting booth. That might soothe many a rattled nerve and save many a strained relationship.

Politics Aside...

I simply could not allow the most recent set of political events to go without some sort of comment. It seems that my friends, of all sorts, are very much on both sides of the fence in this season. One thing that I am excited about, whatever the motivations, is that this will be a historic election regardless of who wins.

And for that I am grateful. While the United States in only one of a world of countries, it is the one that God gave me to be a citizen of, and for that reason alone, I want to be a good participant in our governmental system. Which means educating myself on where the candidates stand on the issues that are important to me.

I am a Christian first and foremost. My religious freedom is tantamount in any thoughts that I will have in considering a candidate. Which of them will protect that right for me?

I am a single woman. I have to make my own living, earning money and paying taxes on it. Which candidate will consider that real issue for me and so many others like me?

My brother is a military man, currently not active. Which candidate will care about him and has the experience to understand the realities of military life?

My parents are aging. Which candidate will care about their needs for health care, their home, and their protection from identity predators? Which one will understand that they fought for this country during a time when the entire world seemed to have gone crazy, my mother with less rights than I have now?

I have five nieces and nephews. Which candidate is going to take into consideration their futures as it comes to not only education in basics, but also in the arts, athletics, journalism and domestic life (both boys and girls)? This was a problem when I was in high school, hard to believe that it still is now.

Most importantly, which candidate will be able to work with a congress that traditionally splits itself along party lines, regardless of the actual legislation? How many laws have not gotten passed and things have not gotten done simply because one party didn’t like the fact that the other one came up with the idea?

All things to consider, but one more thing I will say… don’t tell me how to vote, and I won’t try to influence you. All that I ask is that you vote, for someone… in doing so you earn the most important right of all, that of the ability to complain…

Sound a little odd? Maybe, but more gets done when someone complains than when things are left as is, just ask anyone who has ever worked in customer service of any kind. It does have to be done in a respectful and honoring manner, but the comments do need to be made. So, earn the right, vote, and then make as much noise as you like.

In the meantime, I want to be about the business of sharing Jesus with everyone. While I will be praying for this election and all of the candidates, I will not take a political stand, only to say this, that in this as in all things, God’s ways, not ours.