So Many Dishes

My answer to this prompt is one that is obvious to me, and represents an important part of my life.

Almost 10 years ago, Ken and I became part of a Unitarian Universalist congregation. Although we had both grown up and spent most of our adult lives in traditional Christian church communities, we each in our own ways had questions and doubts, and ultimately decided that it was time to leave the church. Yet we missed the connection and fellowship of a religious community. One of Ken’s friends suggested that we might be comfortable in a Unitarian Universalist congregation, and I will be forever grateful for that recommendation.

The foundation of UU (it’s a lot easier this way than writing out Unitarian Universalism over and over) is its seven principles, and it’s what attracted me to this church. Nobody was telling me what to believe. Rather, the principles listed above define us.

While all seven principles are valuable, the one that comes to mind for me daily is the first: the inherent worth and dignity of every person. It is a reminder to me that no person should be unseen. The person emptying the garbage can is deserving of recognition, a smile and greeting. He or she is no less worthy than someone with a higher status job. With electoral politics dividing us these days, it’s easy to denigrate those who disagree with us. As difficult as it may be, I try to remind myself of this principle before passing judgment. I’m not saying it’s easy or that I succeed, but I try.