Similar

Similar

Function: adjective

Etymology: French similaire, from Latin similis like, similar

Date: 1611

1 : having characteristics in common : strictly comparable

2 : alike in substance or essential

The similarities between these two vehicles are greater than the dissimilarities. Both vehicles are pulled by something other than the person riding. The car is pulled by the engine and the cart by the horse. Barring any unforeseen accident, both drivers will arrive at their destination. The purpose of any mode of transportation is to move someone from one place to another, and both of these vehicles do that. It is too easy to see differences before we affirm similarities.

When someone is dying, families often have conflict over how to best care for them. Often it is the differences that are most obvious, but underneath the differences one can usually find similarities. Sometimes the obvious differences keep us from digging far enough to find the similarities. I find the same thing among people who claim Christianity. We get too focused on what separates us than what binds us.

(This photograph won second place in the North Missouri Harmonies Photography Contest and will hang in the Jefferson City office of State Representative Rebecca McClanahan)