peacemaking in action

We have studied peacemaking for several years, taking classes and being trained as mediators. It seems simple to make peace when it is other people's conflict. But when it is your own conflict, it is a different story:) One of my language learners we will call Martha needed a second language helper, so I found a university student and took her over to meet Martha. Unfortunately, there was a language lesson going on already at the house and the first language helper we will call Ayse was not happy about bringing in a new gal to help out. "What did we need her for? Am I not good enough?" She did not voice these thoughts but her body language spoke volumes. So from then on, Ayse gave me the cold shoulder and practiced what we call küsmek in Turkish, which means not speaking to another person. I tried to get her attention by smiling or talking to her, but to no avail. So one time when I knew she would be having a lesson with Martha, I popped in to talk to her. I practiced my peacemaking principles of a good apology after she explained that culturally I should not have done what I did. We hugged and "made up", but she continued to be cold toward me. Then at a ladies retreat, she came over to me, and gave me a real hug and told me how special I was. It was then that I knew the Spirit had done His work in her heart and she had truly forgiven me. It was a testimony to those around us of living in unity and an answer to Martha's prayers! I am learning to "live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on me." (Rom 12:18)