No Magic Peace

Life is not a fairy tale; therefore, happy endings are not guaranteed. Real-life happy endings come when people choose to focus more on others and less on themselves.

In real life, there are peacekeepers and peacemakers. Which one are you?

Our military personnel act as peacekeepers on a grand scale. I’m thankful for men and women who serve around the world in such a mighty capacity. They’re definitely focused on others and not on themselves.

Peacemakers serve on a more individualized basis. Children and adults both fit the words of this well-known song:   Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be . . .

It seems Vince Gil is the popular singer of this song, written in 1955 by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller. I learned it in elementary school, and its basic message has always stuck with me.

Have you ever noticed how peace can be so seasonal?

Think about it. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day these characteristics gradually appear - - - empathy for people in need, more volunteers for food banks and soup kitchens, an increase in charitable giving, and upbeat seasonal greetings outside our normal friendship circle.

Isaiah prophesied a baby would be born carrying the title Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). This baby was Jesus, whose birth we celebrated once again this December.

Some of His most famous teachings are called The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). When I was growing up some called them “the BE attitudes.” Number seven, in verse nine, says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”  

Notice there’s no time frame or season attached. We can be a peacemaker all year long. Be alert; be creative! Don’t be afraid to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).

The fact that there’s no magic peace solution, no one-size-fits-all, simply increases its importance.