Yesterday's Advent candle was the peace candle. Some days that almost feels laughable, because it seems like we're getting farther and farther away from peace on earth. Most days, it's the kind of thing that could make you just cry. Like so many of the big thoughts and ideas that make a home in my brain, I turn once again to stitching. Or at least a pattern for stitching.
Oftentimes I'm one to avoid conflict. I like things to be nice. Happy. Peaceful.
I try to follow mostly happy crafty people on social media, because I like seeing pretty pictures of things that aren't likely to get me upset or cause an argument. Maybe that's burying my head in the sand, but I see and hear more than enough negativity even with this arrangement. Can't we all just get along?
But that's just it. We can't.
There will always be disagreements about things. We will always think that we're right and they're wrong. But what if our response wasn't to demonize the other, but to respect them for the simple fact that they are a human being?
It's easier said than done, and that's where some help comes in handy.
Last night I heard Jerusalem Greer say that if we didn't have a great need, longing, and ache (for hope, for peace, for love, for joy), we wouldn't need Christmas. Because we wouldn't need Jesus. And you know what? I need Jesus. I need the one who offers true peace and who calls us to live peacefully with each other.
Do we get that wrong? Obviously. But that's why we need to keep turning to Him for the example and for the peace that only He gives.
Now let me circle back to stitching. Because other than grabbing a few moments of peaceful stitching, how does embroidery have anything to do with peace on earth? Maybe it doesn't. But maybe sharing this message as you work on this pattern would help others. Maybe stitching creates a space for you to pray for peace or think about how you might be an agent of peace.
Maybe the peace that Jesus offers to every single person, no matter what, could actually spread with a few stitches. And may you experience this peace today, if only for a moment.
I really love your blog for this reason. Thank you so much for this encouragement. Christ's peace to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm as Pagan as you can get, but that doesn't stop me from yearning for the day when we can ALL put our differences and disagreements aside and just listen to the voice in our hearts that says, "You know what would be awesome right now? Love. And peace."
ReplyDeleteMay we all have peace on earth this holiday season, and in the year to come. <3