Yesterday we discussed obstacles to reconciliation. For this weekend’s meditation lets consider how we live reconciliation.
1. Relationship — To reconcile both sides need to recognize they are part of a community and that community exists whether there is reconciliation or not. A good example of this is a divorced couple who have children. The couple may be so mad at each other that they can’t see straight, but they are both in a community with their children and thus living reconciliation can benefit the entire community.
2. Conversation — Once both parties recognize a commonality — a community — the next step is to engage in conversation where each party listens as much or more than they talk.
3. A Place of Meeting — Identify a place where both parties can discuss their concerns and share each other’s burdens, weaknesses and strengths. A safe harbor so to speak where neither side is intimidated or ill at ease.
4. Appreciation for Each Side’s Uniqueness. — Like snowflakes every one of us is unique. Once each side understands the uniqueness of the other we can allow each participant to enrich the community. Each parent for example is unique and brings special skills to a marriage or the raising of children. Allow, despite one’s differences with the individual, their uniqueness to enrich the community.
5. Forgiveness and Belonging — True forgiveness is hard if downright impossible, but ask yourself wasn’t there once something there before the hurt that had tremendous value in your life? Wouldn’t you like to get back to that point and to once again walk together.
We all have relationships that need a little or a lot of reconciliation. This weekend give some thought to a relationship you are willing to work toward reconciliation.
Have a great weekend. W.
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