Peacemakers

Receivers are Peacemakers

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Two ongoing life wins today: Spiritual Directing and Being Known Podcast Listening

I’m up to episode 9 in season 11, which is entitled “Rupture and Repair.” This episode focused on mastering the art of repair.

23+ minutes into the conversation Curt said this:

Everybody needs the place where you can come and discharge…especially in the presence of someone else who can receive it. We need to know what needs to be discharged can be done in the presence of someone who can receive it.

He goes on to make the connection that everyone who pursues repairing ruptures is actually growing in their ability to be a peacemaker.

A peacemaker can then be someone who is growing in their understanding of how to manage their own ruptures.

A peacemaker is also someone who is a trusted receiver of someone’s responses to their ruptures.

Together peace is pursued.

Together repair is possible after rupture.

Rupture is coming. How can we grow in our response? Who can I lean on to be a receiver in my need for peace?

This was just one of many gems in this episode. Catch the full episode here:

NOTE: Spiritual Directors are receivers and peacemakers. It’s why I keep returning…and winning.

Discovering Who You Really Are

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Wednesday I asked a pastor a theological question worded something like this: “There’s two views on this topic. Which one do you take?”

I’ve experienced two reactions to this question: “How much time do you have” or “Really? That’s what we’re doing right now?” His rolled eyes didn’t match his answer.

I see a tension between both of those. So I see both of them in Scripture, and sometimes I just have to say you can’t answer that tension… I think we need to just to leave that tension there than trying to answer it, because Scripture doesn’t answer the tension.

“That tension can’t be answered. Just leave it there.”

His response was worded unlike any other. Even if pastors acknowledge the tension and would like to avoid it, no one has expressed their view like this. Bottom line: it’s okay to not have the answer. It’s actually better for peace and rest to not force one for any reason.

Continuing to chew on his answer I find it refreshing, particularly when applied to other tensions society revels over debating and dividing over. Millions of dollars and minutes are wasted over tensions that just need to be left alone.

The pastor’s reply modeled this beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” In his paraphrase The Message, Eugene Peterson wrote “that’s when you discover who you really are and your place in God’s family.”

Here’s to resting in our place in God’s family!

Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash