Acceptance

Not much point in talking about it. Advocating acceptance has got to be right up there with advocating for clean air... well, of course.

Living it, on the other hand, is a whole 'nother story.

For me, acceptance is a step in the opposite direction of judgment. George Fox exhorted early Quakers to "walk cheerfullly over the world, answering that of God in everyone." Classic Quaker simplicity. And, as it turns out, a lot harder than it sounds.

I appreciate the opportunity to be reminded of this fundamental need and gift; we all need to feel that we are accepted. If we're really fortunate, we get to feel embraced and celebrated. And the gift of acceptance is just that: a gift.

But there's not much point in talking about it.

(Thanks to the women of Mama Says Om
for their continuing inspiration.)