Living relationally is the natural way

This is the flower bunch Anna and I are   sending to President Barak Obama electronically, on his reelection to the American presidency for another term of four years. 

For the first time in the recent presidential elections, the Americans have been vertically divided over their ethnic identity, while voting as Democrats and Republicans. Both Obama and Romney have already reached out to each other through their post election speeches to work together for the well being of America and the global world.

There is a message for all of us, as we live with the reality of divisive politics. The former Chief Minister of state of Kerala, Mr. V.S.Achuthanandan of the Marxist party dropped in, two weeks back, to wish speedy recovery to Mr. Ommen Chandy, the present Chief Minister of the Congress party, who was convalescing. There was much hype about it in the media as both of them have serious differences with each other on policy matters which they air publicly. And yet their personal regard for each other remained intact amidst all the political hostility. Mr. Achuthandan referred to this visit as, 'humane response to another human being'. 

I like this maturity of character. I wish all of us would learn and practice to surpass our differences with others and create an attitude of accommodation and acceptance.

Let me share something I am learning from adolescent children through my involvement with them. Two siblings, both adolescents, one boy and girl have been competing with each other to do well in extra curricular activities so much so they  became hostile and accusatory of each other. Their parents were going through a difficult time to resolve this. The family went to watch the Easter musical in their church. The pardon Jesus offered to the thief on the cross so touched both the children that they moved out of their seats from either side of their parents to sit next to each other holding hands. The parents mentioned to us that they instantly became different towards each other with care and love in their attitude and reactions. After an year of this, the parents still recall this grace in their lives with humility and gratitude. God is at work in our lives because Jesus of Nazareth did say to His followers, 'Peace be with you'.

Human beings are created for relationships and friendships. Everything else is an exception. I wonder whether we can begin with the mission of fostering peace at home and between neighbours... this will have a leavening effect.

M.,C.Mathew(text and photo)