Being a Peacemaker is Difficult
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God." -- Matthew 5:9
One of the things I love most about God is that He knows what I need before I do. On Sunday, Pastor Gary preached on peacemakers. I think he originally geared it toward spouses but expanded it for the rest of us. If he only knew. Without hours of his sermon, I was struggling to remember to be a peacemaker.
My tongue is evil. I know this. It is sharp as a razor and has an opinion about most things. Sometimes it is better to hold said tongue and let things work out on their own. It isn't so much about being a trouble-maker (though I have been that before) as it is about not reacting to the trouble-maker's comments.
Mother has gone through a traumatic time. Cancer surgery left her with many stitches on her face, a drainage tube and worries about the future. It amazes me how many people dumped their horror and fear right onto her shoulders. She's had to deal with negative comments about her appearance, questions about the necessity of her surgery and, get this, whether she even had cancer or not.
My first reaction is to put each person in his or her place. I want to lash out in anger at the sheer stupidity of people who don't think before they hurt. What good would it do? My words would only cause more trouble. Often, during this week I've repeated the word "peacemaker" in my mind as I struggled to control my tongue. I have Pastor Gary to thank for that. Without that sermon, I don't even want to think about what I would have said or done.
I know that most people mean well. They want to believe that their loved one is getting good medical care. It's difficult to really know what's going on when you aren't present. I know all about that. And I know that worry causes people to over-react and think the worst. What amazes me is that some of the people who are trying hardest to control a situation that isn't theirs to control are people who claim to be strong Christians. Where is that trust in God? Why can't they let their worry go and give it over to God?
I know that I don't have all the answers. I don't even know all the questions. But God does. He knows what I need before I do. He knew I needed a sermon on peacekeeping before I knew what challenges would come. I believe that He will heal my Mother and that her scars will fade away. I trust that He is in control, at all times in all things. Peacekeeping. Yeah, that's a good word to use when I'm trying to hold my tongue.
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