The way of God is from closed to open. Ronald M. Paterson of Dayton, Ohio writes that he heard a woman talking about her fears for our nation. “One of the things she said was that the loudest and most painful noise she hears in our beloved country is the sound of minds snapping shut all over America. Her point was that too many of us are becoming people whose minds are closed and whose opinions are set in a sort of fatal concrete which threatens to sink the fragile nature of our democracy. She pointed out that this beloved ship floats on the willingness of diverse people to work with one another despite their differences of opinion, to find ways to get along with one another.
Do you remember Jesus seeking out strangers and the outcast? Do you remember the unconditional love which he showed and which he commanded of those who followed him? The way of God is the path which leads people to work together for the common good.”
I believe the point to be made is that openness is not fickleness or being flighty. Openness is openness to ways in which the spirit of God is seeking to lead us to a broader understanding of Christian principles and ideals than we may have at the present moment. To be closed-minded to have one’s mind made-up and nothing, education or experience can open it.
During May we observe important days of commemoration or remembrance including: May Day, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, National Maritime Day, and Memorial Day. Rather than hardening minds and opinions, let us recognize the benefits that have been ours and instead of focusing on our differences, celebrate our common joys.