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 Reconciliation Close To Home
Have you ever wondered what a space alien would think if he were to observe our world with a highly sensitive telescope and listening device? Don't you think he would be amazed to find that people—earthlings who look so much alike on the outside, whose bodies function with the same physical organs on the inside, and who all need love, compassion and understanding—are willing to kill one another simply because their philosophies and opinions differ?
Strange, isn't it? We are engaged in a dangerous and deadly battle to eliminate other people because they see the world in a different way. As I say in The Core of Dialogue on my blog, "it’s not me that’s creating all that commotion, it’s the other guy."
But for right now, let's not focus on how to solve the seemingly intractable crises in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. It is obviously difficult to create understanding and peace if you live in a different country from a person with whom you've become an enemy, if you have had vastly different educational systems, and if you have not had an opportunity to experience the same things.
Therefore, before we rant about how others aren't willing to give up their animosities, let's look at conflicts closer to home. There is likely at least one person at work, in your neighborhood, or in your family with whom you are physically or emotionally estranged because you see the world very differently. But what chance does the world have if we aren't willing or able to reach across a much smaller divide of broken friendships and family disagreements for a negotiated peace?
That is why this week's question is based on the observation that it is likely you have at least one person it would be good for you to have back in your life—and on the belief that you don't have to wait for the other person to agree with you before you can take steps to be reconciled. Why not take a small step to world peace this week by practicing reconciliation with just one person you once loved or cared for, or at least got on reasonably well with, before a big disagreement pulled you apart?
If you need some ideas on forgiveness before you feel you can be ready for reconciliation, try reading the index of Learning to Forgive. There are several articles there that can help you forgive both yourself and the other person.
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