Peaceable Acts
Jerusalem Peacebuilders-Kids4Peace Leadership Camp
Peace.
When we think of peace, we tend to imagine an end to fighting, a settling of conflicts, a resolution of differences. We think of these things and say that it is impossible.
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:18
In the letter to the Romans, Paul makes a simple statement about peace. As much as it is up to you, live peaceably with all.
So, rather than focus on the big peace, we should focus on each little peaceable act.
I can do that, I think. It should be easy.
But do I walk away from a fight? Do I give up my ground to settle conflicts? Do I ignore my interests when resolving differences? Do I show that I am weak?
Yesterday at the JPB-K4P Leadership Camp, we got to see how the kids were able to confront those differences and stand their ground, while focusing on peace.
They were learning to set their sights on the goal of peace and not on the losses or gains involved.
And the conversation began with a simple lesson from Rabbi Michael, who showed us something we had not seen before.
He told the story of Moses going back up the mountain after having broken the tablets. He explained that we often have to start over, to retrace our steps and humble ourselves. Yet we persevere and in the process, God shows us the way.
In Moses' case, God walked before him and let Moses see the world the way God sees it, by letting Moses look over his shoulder.
It is a peaceable act, to look through the eyes of another.
That is something I can do. When I am challenged to come to an agreement I don't like, I can take the time to put myself in the place of the opposition and just look.
There will be times when all I tried to do will fail, just like Moses and the tablets. But I can dust myself off and try again.
Peace is built that way, by falling and getting up again. It is the way we grow and learn. And if I fall enough times, perhaps one time, it will be the hand of my opponent that reaches out to help me up.
I pray that if my enemy falls, I will be there with my hand.
More to come...