Find Me

With all the turmoil that is produced every day, I feel called repeatedly to encourage peace in those around me. There seems to be gentle despair that catches my attention. It comes from people who aren’t called into marches or demonstrations and from those who leave demonstrations wondering if that is all there is. It’s, sort of, a mixture of expressing “What can I do, as small as I am,” and “What else can I do with all this anger I feel,” at the same time.

The peace that is found in Jesus is one of action and the actions are centered on other people, rather than on religion. We sometimes get caught in the “good-bad” focus on ourselves, rather than the “alive-dead” relationship we have with other people. Focusing on whether we’re good or bad is self-centered. Seeking to be life-giving to those with whom I interact is an attitude that is more other focused. God isn’t as interested in good-bad as we have taught ourselves he is. The peace Jesus leaves us isn’t like the peace of the world. It is a peace that is fully engaged with the world, life, people and the cultivation of community in every aspect.

I may not be able to change the whole world, the outcome of our political turmoil, or the destruction of war. I’m not in a place where I can do much, but I can change someone’s day. So, I seek hospitality, the creation of space where people can relax, whether it is in my own home or in my presence. As I do that part, I recognize I’m changing, that is, I’m growing.