The Power of [Or]

My alma mater, UW Eau Claire, began an ad campaign last spring. It’s all about their new branding, “The Power of [And].” There is some truth in the ads. Students at UWEC aren’t pigeonholed into one discipline. They can be a “business woman and bicyclist” or “entrepreneur and entertainer.” Reaching beyond our primary field, putting an and in our lives, takes us out of our comfort zone and stretches us as human beings. But we do our students and community a disservice if we forget “The Power of [Or].”

As a private music teacher, I watch my students reach the maturing stage of or. When they are young, they can do this and that and the other thing. In middle school and high school, they must make choices. Their time is limited. Will they do another sport or practice violin? Will they be in the school play or join the youth symphony? Will they pursue dance or choir or forensics?

We mature as we face the or decisions in our lives. These decisions force us to define our purpose and refine our goals. We confront tough questions. What is most valuable? What matters in life?

Every or question has an element of tension, maybe even conflict. It is in that tension where we grow. Do I have the courage to live in the or?