Have you ever looked at a black and white photo? I don't mean looked at one (because, of course you have seen one before), but really paid attention to all the shades of gray??

Even in a black and white photo, there is more gray than anything else, just various shades of it. So why, then, do we try to eliminate all the gray in life?

This political season has been exhausting for everyone. The problem I see is the opinions of those in charge are extreme - very black and white. There is no room for ambiguity and discussion about both sides to an issue, just screaming at each other about why one opinion reigns supreme over the other.

In an article from NPR, this election brought about the most polarizing responses than in years past. Historically, much of America considers themselves fairly moderate, maybe leaning more conservatively or liberally. But something changed in this 2016 election (there are a number of theories detailed in the article linked above), and it appears people are self-identifying as a little less moderate than in years past.

Realistically, much of the world is still in the gray. There are more than two sides to every story (they say there's your side, my side, and the truth). Likewise, we are all complex beings who have the capacity and ability to analyze various issues. I mean, I tend to align with one particular political party, but that does not define who I am. It also does not mean I agree with absolutely everything my party stands for. Not to mention, we all exist beyond our political opinions.

When we try to make everything black and white, we lose all the beauty and magic in the gray. The world is not simple, nor should it be, and we are more beautiful because of our differences. As uncomfortable as it may be, sometimes just sitting in the gray and letting things be ambiguous and unclear can be healing.

I work as a domestic and sexual violence clinician for my day job. Many of my clients have mixed feelings after leaving an abusive relationship or after being assaulted by someone. There is no black and white way to cope with those feelings. Nobody teaches you this stuff. And they don't come to me to hear a short, textbook response to their feelings. They come because it doesn't make sense and they want to know they are not alone. They want me to sit in the gray with them. And with an empathic response, I try to do so.

Friends, we are all given the opportunity to be in the gray with people if we are looking for it. Don't overlook these opportunities. And be intentional in looking for the magic of it.