The Gossamer Thread by Mary Robbins

Once one has lived a half century, one has collected a wealth of beliefs. Some of mine have grown and changed through the decades, through life's trials and joys, others were born in an instant of realization, a light bulb moment. Often I think there are no certainties and I've come to realize that truth is different in each heart.

For most of us of a certain age, though, among the many beliefs we've come to own, there is one that lives at our core and to which we affix our gaze. We turn to it in our darkest and in our brightest moments always finding that the principle holds. My core belief is my interpretation of the greatest commandment.

The gossamer thread that holds us each to the other is universal, unbreakable and, though sometimes hard to see, cannot be ignored. Connection is our reason for being. We were not given hearts to protect; love to hold in reserve lest we be rejected or hurt.

I look around and see lonely, hurting people who want so much to be known, to be understood, to be tolerated and haven't we each felt that need? The power of a smile or an understanding nod is immense and so many of us withhold these. What does a glare accomplish? Anger, hate, fear and intimidation mock our innate and sacred unity.

I know there is someone in this world who doesn't like me because I'm thinner than they and someone who doesn't like me because I'm heavier than they. I know there is someone who doesn't like me because I have less money than they and someone who doesn't like me because I have more money than they. I know there is someone who doesn't like me because I'm not part of a certain group; an outsider, and someone who doesn't like me because I'm part of a certain group; an insider.

We are human and petty thoughts intrude no matter how hard we try to love. Sometimes we fail to connect. Forgiveness, too, is a great act of love. If ever I've wronged you, please forgive me. If ever you've wronged me, be assured I do forgive you.

So let's honor the thread. Let's love outrageously. Let's be courageous and allow our hearts to be broken and then pick up the pieces and continue the course. Let's forgive indiscriminately, even forgiving ourselves. Let's smile constantly. We'll change the world. This I believe.