A Different Morning in America

As I left the driveway to walk the dog this morning, a mom and her two kids were bicycling past.

"Good morning!" greeted the mom and I to each other. “Good morning!" I said to the little girl, on the little blue bike, wearing a pink helmet, who must be in 2nd or 3rd grade. "Good morning," she mouthed as she steadied her swift ride along the way.

I awoke after, maybe three hours of sleep last night to a very different morning in America. Or is it?

As I turned off the anxiety-inducing morning newscasts and drove to client meetings, the sun was shining through autumn leaves, a gaggle of kindergarten kids were queuing for a romp in the park, a homeless man was painfully shuffling down the sidewalk, and a pair of Mormon missionaries were strolling up to someone’s home.

In fact, it is just another day in America. And, it can be the first of many better days, if we just greet each other with simple friendliness.

We don't have to give up the fight for the important things we deeply hold dear; I know I won't. Perhaps we can truly progress if we engage each other as neighbors; because we are. Perhaps we can listen more, and do as our mommas taught us; think before we speak.

The truth is, unlike that homeless man I saw, nearly every person reading this has food, electricity, heat, transportation, and endless hours of binge-able TV. We are more connected to more people around the world by a flick of our thumbs than any people at any time in history.

Better than that, we have each other.

Nothing has changed — yet --- except the headlines.

So, while the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election have resulted in a rather dramatic changing of the guard, it represents potential change, not actual change at this minute. No doubt, a good deal of that potential may be realized. Some things will change, but certain fundamentals will not.

As we collectively and coincidentally pursue change and defend liberty and Civil Rights, let us do so respectfully, and choose to do so from a foundation of humility for the good things we enjoy still.

Cooperation does not gloat. Cooperation does not whine. Cooperation rolls up its sleeves, offers a handshake and says, "How can we work this out?"

Let’s forget fear. Let’s choose to live freely.

Isn’t that the American way?