Center of Ugly

#60

Friend,

“Peace is a beautiful thing. Making peace, not so much.” Elizabeth McCord Madam Secretary

My wife and I have been watching Madam Secretary, and she said this the other day, and I’ve been thinking about it every day since.

Peace, true peace is absolutely beautiful. When we think about peace, we need to remember that it is more than the absence of conflict, it is the presence of wholeness. Peace is not silence as the family is in 4 separate rooms not talking. Peace is the whole family at the dinner table laughing because everyone feels safe and loved.

But peacemaking is one way to wear yourself out. I know you are experiencing it today. You have been trying to bring these people to see eye to eye, and when you want peace more than they want peace, it’s like trying to roll a barrel uphill. It’s possible, but heavy, and if you don’t hold steady, it might roll down and break apart.

As the peacemaker, you find yourself at the center of ugly. The ugly names they call each other. The ugly emotions that are spilling out. The ugly task of defending someone that the other despises, and the ugly request for them to humble themselves and come together.

So at the center of ugly, I invite you to remember:

• Peace is a beautiful thing. What you are working towards is holy and lovely.

• Making peace is not always up to you. We are supposed to live peaceably with all, but peacemaking may not be possible, and you need to accept that.

• It’s not personal. It will feel every ounce of personal, but the people you are attempting to bring to peace are hurting, angry, and defensive.

• You are a gift. I am thankful that you love these people enough to be willing to do the hard work that they can’t do yet. The world needs more people like you.

Love,

Aaron

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