Pass the “Peace”, Please!
A Thanksgiving Appeal by Ben LaCorte
If your Thanksgiving is like ours, there will be plenty of turkey, cornbread stuffing and mashed potatoes. The veggie? Well, that’s always a wild card. We go with broccoli one year and green bean casserole the next. This year I think we’ll try to serve garden fresh “peace”. Not those little round green things. I’m talking about “peace”.
You may have noticed, not everyone is happy with the election. I’ve personally already been given a “talking to” by a complete stranger! I opened the door for her anyway. To my surprise, she actually walked through it.
This year we have a unique opportunity to let our light so shine before siblings, in-laws, and aunts & uncles sitting around the table. How do we handle any subtle barbs, not-so-hidden innuendo, and even (dare I say snarky) comments that might come our way? In short, how do we pass the “peace”?
Here are a few ideas:
- Smile & ignore. It’s always possible that it wasn’t meant as it sounded. You don’t want to be the initiator. Hold back until if and when it becomes obvious. Then “think” before responding. If possible, absorb the dart with a smile.
- Don’t react. Respond. If a response is unavoidable, take a second. Let the silence hover for just a moment. I guaranty you’ll have everyone’s attention. Recall James who tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Two things one cannot retrieve: the sped arrow and the spoken word. You didn’t vote or a person. You voted for a policy. You support the one that most closely approximates the teachings of the Word of God. Think first. They’re still Family and would probably do anything for you if you needed them!
- Pass the Peace! If a discussion ensues, keep your cool. You wear the Armor of God. No fiery dart can penetrate your Shield. Explain that if the results had gone the other way, and they have, you would still be ok. Your joy flows not from mere earthly circumstances. No matter the political scene, you are anxious for nothing, but thankful for all things, including their company on this day of Gratitude.
- Be gracious. Say less than you could, even less than you have a right to. Use the opportunity to proclaim your confidence in Christ alone. Your security is in Him. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” This old world will continue spinning until the return of the Prince of Peace, no matter the machinations of Presidents, Premiers or Prime Ministers. In our Lord Jesus alone do we have ultimate Peace.
Pass the “Peace” please.
But in all cases, respond in love.
Scathing