Obama Nobel Peace Sur-prize

Included in the crowd of people who are surprised that Obama got a Nobel Peace Prize is President Obama himself. In his comments, he noted that he feels he does not deserve the award, so again, many are together on that -- including Mr. President. In his own words:

"This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes."

I appreciate his candor and perspective. I learned more about the Nobel Peace Prize, as I thought it was just for achievement. I have been thinking deeply lately about how our culture values doing more than being and how that impacts my life, so this seemed another timely lesson for me. I am also learning in new ways how to think deeply about issues and care authentically for people. I am listening to opinions from great people -- friends -- who see things differently from me. I am learning the broader lessons of living in community and loving unconditionally.

I live in the tension between expectations, obligations, and traditions and in the transforming light of grace, mercy, kindness, love, and healthy boundaries. Now there is a delicate dance! And I've never been a very good dancer. I am discovering a bunch of friends who don't mind disagreement because we grant one another dignity. How blessed to be amidst those kind of folks! We pause to take the time to understand the view of one another, and then walk forward on the common ground side by side.

"We can't allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another, and that's why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect." - B. Obama

Mutual interest. Mutual respect.