Agree to Disagree

Let’s face it, we don’t all see eye to eye. But that’s OK. I wouldn’t want to live in a vanilla world where each of us thought exactly the same thing. And, in truth, we need each other’s opinions in order to evaluate and sharpen our own. Sometimes I’m dead wrong and can’t even see it. That’s when the insight of others is so helpful. It’s also true that we formulate many of our opinions and arguments based upon our own world views. I believe in a God. You might not. You come from a certain type of family or educational background. I have had different life experiences. Each of these things shapes our perspectives. And often we draw lines in the sand that divide relationships, cultures, and even nations. So there are many times, especially among people we care about, where we have to agree to disagree. When that happens, we can continue to have productive and provocative discussions across a broad range of subjects. I have strong opinions, but I also want to honor relationships. So this goes out to those whom I might not agree with, but whom I still love and respect. Let’s keep talking.

Agree to Disagree

Although we love each other

There are areas, it’s true

Where we don’t see quite eye to eye

And I must disagree with you

We’re entitled to opinions

So at least philosophically

We diverge on several issues

And so you disagree with me

But I like that we can talk about

Whatever’s on our hearts

And discuss a host of issues

That seem to tear some folks apart

I respect how you feel and

Think you do the same for me

We live somewhere in the middle

As we agree to disagree

So I say let’s keep talking

Let’s keep wrestling with things

So we can challenge one another

Embracing what perspective brings

Wisdom never flourishes

Within a vacuum, it is true

And I relish the exchanges

That I have with each of you

              By Frank Carpenter