Do you talk with your kids about unity? Do you ever use this word at home or in your classroom. It is our responsibility as adults to teach our kids to show respect and to be an agent of unity.
But really….what is unity?
I love this definition of unity!!!!
Unity is a condition of harmony: accord
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
If you know me well, you know that I LOVE MUSIC!!!! Yep! I’m a lover of big beautiful church choirs, barbershop quartets, musicals, worship songs, and of course, Wilson Phillips, Madonna, and Billy Joel.
Ha! After typing that and reflecting…that is a perfect description of me! Oh wait…I forgot SHOW CHOIRS!!!!!!! I mean there is nothing like singing and dancing in dresses that twirl!….
Ok, back to point!
You see, the most beautiful thing about a choir is the harmony. You cannot get harmony on your own. Harmony relies on being in tune with other people.
Harmony is the beauty that is made when two or more people sing a song with different notes that blend into beauty. Those making the music have to work hard to make their notes blend. Sometimes it is easy and others…well… other times there is dissonance. Sometimes two notes clash. But when harmony is achieved, it is beautiful.
The same is true in relationships! Friendships, work relationships, families, classrooms, and communities have to work hard to be united. They have to make an effort and be intentional about creating harmony with others.
When we disagree (politics, family feuds, classroom discussions, team meetings) or when we feel different than others or different than what others expect we can still stand united or create the condition of harmony.
It’s important that we teach our kids to be and agent of unity. This doesn’t mean keeping quiet when you believe in something. This doesn’t mean to give in when you disagree. But is doesn’t mean working hard to live together or work side by side to create something wonderful and meaningful.
We need to be an example to our kids and to our students. When we are able to be that agent of unity, others will be able to strive for the same.
3 Easy Ways to be an Agent of Unity: Live, Love, Learn
1.Live Humbly
Let’s face it, it’s not all about you! It’s not all about me. It’s all about being kind and living in a way that shows others they are important. When we humble ourselves the people in our path will be more willing to want to strive for unity.
We can be an example of humility, kindness, and grace, by simply grasping the fact that it’s not all about us. Tim McGraw had it right when he wrote the song: Humble and Kind. Living out lives this way will create a condition of harmony.
Our kids and our students learn best from the examples they see in us! Live Humbly so that our kids can learn to do the same.
2. Love Fiercely
We will be marked by how we love, not by the opinions we stand by. Honestly, who cares if your neighbor, best friend, boss, or co-worker has different opinions as you! Love them anyway!
In order to be united in a family or friendship or any relationship really, we must learn to love even when don’t agree…even when it’s hard!
Grace is a good place to start! Grace is forgiving even when they don’t deserve it. I can’t tell you how many times my own kids have done something that I disagree with, but I still love them. The important part is that I need to show them that I still love them.
We can show love by giving grace, serving others, acts of kindness, a handshake or hug, spending time together, and making sacrifices. In other words, there are lots of ways to love our neighbors. Be the LOVE
3. Learn to Understand
Stephen R. Covey teaches that we must FIRST UNDERSTAND and then BE UNDERSTOOD. We are all a product of our past experiences and circumstances. We are all driven by different factors. We all live by certain principles.
If we want the beauty of harmony in our country, neighborhood, family, and friendships, then we must first learn to understand the differences that we face. Look, there are certain things that I think are just wrong, unacceptable, and even sinful. But who am I to judge others who do those things. Look, some of my best friends have very different opinions than I do. Some of my family members (who I love deeply) have made choices that I wish I could change. I have co-workers that believe in completely different ideas. But I learn to understand where they are coming from and can then make the choice to respect them and live in unity with them.
Being an Agent of Unity means striving to LIVE humbly, LOVE fiercely, and LEARN to understand.
TAKE ACTION: This week, when you are faced with a disagreement or some sort of friction, find a way to humble yourself, show love, and learn to understand.
Enjoy being Their Difference,
