November 3, 2008

  • I am hearing of crucial conversations taking place all over the world about the definition of marriage, about the best candidate, about abortion, about energy, about resources, and about the future. In some instances, they end up perfectly. In other instances, they are destructive. In most cases, they are abandoned before understanding can be reached. They are not destructive, yet they are not fruitful. These abandoned conversations may result in a snag in the fabric of our relationships with one another.

    I am a strong believer in crucial conversations, and the benefits of them when they are handled well. Crucial conversations can be events where we transcend the flaws of our reality and experience the greatness of our ideology. I realize that tomorrow's election, no matter the outcome of any of the races or ballot initiatives, will not end the debates we will have on the most appropriate action and how to proceed. What we will have are many more opportunities for other crucial conversations to handle well, poorly, or not at all.