Base

There are far too many conflicts with no real conflict.  I am not suggesting that wars are fought just for the sake of fighting.  I am not accusing those that take a stand of trying to defend something not worth defending.  My specific observation is that often it is easier to believe that one is in conflict.  It is natural to presume that others that carry divergent ways of seeing life are also holding onto core beliefs that conflict with our own.    Cups are naturally half empty, never almost full.
As I listening to community groups competing for attention, I am struck by how much they share in common with those they oppose.  Sadly, the observation repeats itself within work teams, friends, and even organizations that are by design here to deliver hope.
As I read various editorials in today's newspaper, I am struck by the bias that simply assumes we must right in order to learn from each other.  What if we started our journey together with an affirmation of what we know we agree on?  If we build from there, we might find that we can live with our differences, respect our diversity, and even grow because of opposing viewpoint.
Others, far wiser than I, have taken this approach.  When  “Stephen replied, 'Friends, fathers, and brothers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was still in Mesopotamia, before the move to Haran, and told him, 'Leave your country and family and go to the land I'll show you,''” (Acts 7.2, 3) he started with everyone on the same page.  He set a foundation that clarified where the differences were clear to everyone.
Recently I found myself learning from someone who thinks in radically and differently than I do. Because of a shared base, I knew instantly I needed to listen with my heart and mind.  The insights the individual gave me profoundly touched my heart.  They were priceless gems that only he could make. 
It is easy to fight.  It is challenging and ultimately rewarding to live as one family.