Holy ground is kind of hard to come by these days. Secularism rules the roost or, at least, so it seems. A recent article in the New York Times said many people nowadays feel more connected spiritually in a spin class or on a group hike than in a church service. And it's hard to argue with that. After all, churches have become more identified with contention than renewal. In fact, a long list of documented cases of abuse has given the church experience a definite ick factor.

And, yet, the heart still hungers for a place of comfort and peace.

I go to church twice a week because I find it helpful—and uplifting, and, I'm grateful to report, not a bit icky. I also take a daily walk in a nearby park, which feels in its own way like holy ground. It’s a place to see folks (and dogs) and to share a smile and eye contact with the other early risers. There is no sense of being judged. No hierarchy. Just people putting one foot in front of the other. I don't know their politics, and they don't know mine.

I have been praying a lot about unity these days, as I know many people are. Praying to find a path of peace that respects our differences. It’s not easy, but it clearly is what the world needs now more than anything. Unity isn’t a monolithic, one-size-fits-all approach to life. The dictionary defines unity as harmony, and harmony in music is different notes that sound better when played together. That’s the kind of unity I’m praying for, a sense that differences don’t have to divide us, but can actually bring out something better in us.

Sounds good right? But how do we get there? I’ve been trying to reach across the aisle, as the saying goes, to people I don’t agree with politically, acknowledging that they are also made in God’s image and likeness. I can’t change their views, but I can change my view of them. I can love.

It’s easy to love those we agree with, and not so easy to love those whose views are not the same as ours. But it’s possible and, frankly, it’s not optional anymore.

Recently, my husband and I were in a store looking to purchase a wood-burning stove for our home. The store was in fact a small business run by three very nice men. They couldn’t have been more friendly, more helpful, and more easy to deal with. We ordered the stove from them, set up a time for them to deliver and install it, said our goodbyes, and, as I was leaving the store, I looked up and saw a political sign for someone I had not voted for in a recent election. Someone I would never vote for. And, yet, here were three of this candidate’s supporters, treating me with kindness and respect. Huh.

I smiled as I said goodbye and thought, Thank you, God. Thank you, universe. Message received.

It’s not a big thing or a giant leap, but, for me, it was a small but important step toward seeing everyone and everything through the lens of love.

In the Bible, it says, “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (I John 4:16). No mention of religion or even believing in God. Just dwelling in love.

There's room for everyone.