our annual summer series

As I’ve said before, and no doubt will say again, there are some things I get flat-out wrong. There are also places where my perspective is pretty limited. And then there are the grander moments — the ones where my opinion is off, my view is narrow, and I don’t even know it, because I’m blissfully confident I’m right when I may, in fact, be missing the plot entirely.

That reality makes humility, compassion, and curiosity less of a nice idea and more of a necessity. We need to keep remembering that there is a great deal we don’t know… and, perhaps more importantly, a great deal we don’t know that we don’t know.

Which is why listening to others matters so much.

Let me say it another way: it is essential to listen to a wide range of others — people from different social, ethnic, faith, political, educational, and life backgrounds. People with different stories. People with different lenses. We often learn the most when we lean in and listen to someone whose life looks nothing like our own. And what a marvelous thing that is.

So, with that delightfully stated, here we are…

It is time for one of the Intramuralist’s favorite traditions: our annual Guest Writers Series! Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear from a thoughtful, articulate group of communicators from all sorts of backgrounds. They range from 20-something to 80-something. They represent a wide mix of ethnicities, genders, and political leanings. Some have advanced degrees. Some have none. And they are passionate about a wonderfully broad collection of subjects. You’ll hear about human birthrights, wealth and agreeing to disagree. You’ll hear one woman discuss the idea of “letting yourself go” and also my young, adult son with Down syndrome sincerely share what he finds currently important. So many stories… and, as Brené Brown likes to say, “Maybe stories are data with soul.” Indeed. You will get a glimpse into the soul of another.

But let me also share what these gifted communicators most have in common…

They want to share with you in a way that is respectful, encouraging, and thought-provoking — whether you agree with them or not. They do not believe in insult. And they are wise enough to know that agreement is not the priority. How we treat other people is. Only one of those reflects wisdom.

In the meantime, as I do each year, I’ll be taking a bit of a pause. I believe in intentional rest, and I’m grateful I’ve learned this soon enough to truly appreciate it. Turns out rest is not a luxury, but a rather necessary gift — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This past year, I’ve felt and craved that more than ever.

So I’ll use this time for rest, travel, gratitude and personal reflection. I’ll focus on my family. I’ll invest in my adult children — hearing what’s important, what they, too, are hoping and dreaming. I’m eager to think and pray and reflect… What should we talk about this fall? Where am I not nearly as humble as I imagine? Where are my perspectives incomplete, inaccurate, or downright stubborn — and where have I been slow to notice?

Good stuff, friends. Very good stuff.

For the record, please know that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Intramuralist. I may agree. I may not. But again, agreement is always secondary to listening well and loving my neighbor well, too.

We learn from one another. We learn from diverse voices. We learn from the stories of others.

Time for this year’s Guest Writers Series. I can’t wait…

Respectfully,
AR