Respect

Respect is a rich and colorful flowering plant that we all have the opportunity to plant in our gardens. It will grow with the correct nourishment and sunlight. Then, when we least expect it, the plant blossoms into a brightly colored flower drawing all who pass by toward it. It seems the nourishment that helps it flower most vibrantly is the gardener’s own respect paid to others over time. That is part of what makes these flowers rare, intoxicating and lovely to behold these days.

It took me a while to learn that as a young police officer. Fortunately, I had fantastic role models and before too long I realized that while policing the highest crime areas of the city I worked in, I would get in a foot chase, a fight, have a bail out on a traffic stop (as I was reminded of recently during a phone call with a dear friend who was needling me about how often it occurred) but, if after the incident I treated the suspect with respect even if I was injured, they remembered. Sometimes they even talked to me (at that time or later). On the other hand, if I was disrespectful, they remembered that too and I could bank on resistance the next time and the fact that they would NEVER talk. Pretty straightforward, even for a dummy like me.

So why do I take the time to tilt the windmill of “respect” in the 21st century? Especially with the relatively small following of this blog? Simple. The planet is out of control. We all need a reminder now and again that simply because someone holds beliefs that are not aligned with ours, does not make them the enemy. Anyone who aspires to be a leader and speaks otherwise is in fact, lower than snail shit. You become the enemy when your values threaten our lifestyle and lives. Simply being different is arguably what made America a great nation in the first damn place. The Statue of Liberty does not grace New York Harbor to symbolize national racial homogeny after all.

Part of what brought this to the forefront for me was the profound lack of respect that I observed recently at a funeral service. I’ve been to plenty of funeral services. More than I should have gone to. Funerals pay respect to the deceased, the families the lives lived and so on. It is NOT a place for politics. Much less condescending, nasty, partisan, divisive politics in a church sanctuary right before a funeral service for an absolutely outstanding individual. What would YOU want at your service ladies? Remember the nourishment the garden needs. The other part of what brings me here is the general state of affairs in the Un-United States. We are Americans FIRST folks. We are Republicans and Democrats second if not way further down the line. We have way more in common than we do things that separate us. Try demonstrating respect to others and see what freaking magic flowers blossom.

Plant the flower of respect. Cultivate it intentionally and the blossoms it will yield will surprise and delight you.

Mark 12:31 – “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  In case people forgot (because, yes…we have.).

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