It is time to renew our discussion of reconciliation. No better time I can think because of the upcoming New Year when we make resolutions to start afresh and begin again. But it is a topic that is much easier to discuss and think about than to live. A dear friend wrote me the other day the following:
“Strikes me that we truly don’t know how to reconcile. So many bad feelings, hurtful words, guns drawn out of fear, backs turned on those who attempt to lead… When it all calms a bit, as it always does, forgiveness is discussed but people honestly don’t understand reconciliation.”
As she told me I’ve been “chewing” on her words for a while and have made some “sweeping generalizations,” which are not worth very much but can begin the discussion.
The first, is that too often we look to others especially leaders to take the lead in reconciliation and that is a mistake. We long for mighty heroes to swoop down and bring peace, when in reality the world is always changed for the better by ordinary people living in a new way. Another way to put my thought comes from the words I heard this weekend in the movie, The Imitation Game. It is a wonderful movie and the unlikely hero is told and says the following:
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.”
The second “sweeping generalization” that we will focus on in the next few weeks about reconciliation is the fact that it is only when we listen intently to each other and learn fully the context behind the others words and actions, can we effectively deal with those issues and things that divide us.
So I ask you the reader to use this week of meditation to prepare for the New Year of Reconciliation. Please write in by way of comment or email your thoughts or ideas. Remember:
“Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine.”
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