Are you a peacemaker?

Are you a peacemaker? And what does it mean to be a peacemaker?

That's a question I've thought about these last few days. During the holiday season, I heard a lot about "peace on earth" and "let peace begin with me," etc. And then I read in this week's lesson for my women's Bible study group the question above: What does it mean to be a peacemaker? It's one of those bigger life questions that has lots of implications.

What would that look like in my life? What would I have to change to become a peacemaker? I don't have the answer to that question yet. But I do want to let it keep swirling in my mind because I think it just might be a valuable thing about which to think in this new year. So much around me (and in me, for that matter!) shouts "conflict." Isn't it what we hear in the media so much these days? Conflicts in Congress. Conflicts in communities. In families. And at times do you, like me, feel conflicted about something you want to do? Or about something you have done? It appears there's no shortage of conflict (to say nothing about all-out war, which we see all around the globe).

Though I don't have "the answer" to the question, I do have some thoughts. More often, I will need to let go of my attachment to outcomes. I will need to do less jumping to conclusions (sometimes it's the only form of exercise I get!!) and repeat to myself more often: "It is what it is." I need to be faithful to my self-care because when I feel good about myself, I am able to be far more open and loving to others. I need to cultivate a gracious spirit. I need to stop any negative internal messages and focus more on feeling good about my life—who I am, what I've done, and what I am doing. I need to tend to relationships. Are there any that need repairing? Forgiveness? Reconciliation? And I need to remember that we're all on a different journey. No one else's will look just  like mine. And vice versa.

What are your thoughts on what it means to be a peacemaker? I would love to hear them. Please consider adding them in the Comment box below.