Conversations can make all the difference.
Last week was filled with meetings and it was such a treasure. I spent days in a local coffee shop just meeting people, hearing their stories, learning how they came to certain conclusions and just listening! We have so many treasures here in Merced, people who you might not even notice when walking by them, and yet they are heroes. Their stories have shaped them, their work has influenced us, their legacy changing our town. Some of their politics might be different from mine, and that was ok. There were so many other things to talk about. Their lifestyles were different, their religion might be different,
and yet we found things in common and learned from each other. These are not always the people who stand out, or lead. Sometimes they are the quiet ones, the ones that do the work behind the scenes. The ones that feed the homeless. The ones who care for children and provide art projects to get their imaginations going. The ones that lead youth to help them find their own identity. The ones who want to help people move forward through jobs and training. The ones who raise funds to make other people's lives better. The ones who look at our economic development. The ones who look at our spiritual growth. Everywhere we look we encounter people who are making a difference in small or large ways. Merced is rich with people who care enough to act, and I am proud to live in this town that is filled
with people who impact others.
I want to learn to stay curious and hear stories. I want to stay in the room with difference. I want to see
you!
PS if you want to learn more about good conversations just start having them and learn your skills as you go!