It’s October, and there’s plenty to look forward to. Fall weather, flannel and familiar flavors. That’s right. Pumpkin Spice!
Maybe it’s a recent phenomenon but I feel like the pumpkin spice people are getting pushy. It’s started off with the lattes but now they are invading every aisle in the store: muffins, donuts, cereal, candy, candles, cologne and body spray… Ok, I may have stretched it a little. But pumpkin spice is pervasive.
While pumpkin spice is everywhere you look, the same can’t be said for peace. Watch the news, scroll though Facebook, have an everyday conversation and you see it, feel it, and most likely take part in it. Anger, bitterness and conflict.
Many seem intent on division. And many more are content to avoid conflict and keep the peace. But few would be defined as peacemakers.
We either stir the pot or step out of the situation. But, if we want to live like our Savior, it means being a peacemaker.
Maybe it means sacrificing our preferences for the good of others. Maybe it means putting a stop to gossip. Maybe it means offering forgiveness. It can take a thousand different forms, but peace is needed. And Jesus calls us to make it.
I don’t know whose job it is to market this fall flavor, but they need a raise. It’s everywhere.
What if we were as determined to spread peace in our families, friendships, neighborhoods, churches and workplaces.
I could stand for a little more peace and a little less pumpkin spice. What are some steps you could take to pursue peace in your relationships?
Such a timely post! Much needed in our current world climate of conflict. Loved your analogy. We could probably easily pick a dozen more things that we are fixated on (celebrities, sports, shopping, fashion, etc) that claim our focus rather than looking for ways to bring peace to our community, nation, and world. Thank you for the reminder. I’m praying we all will take steps this week to make a difference.
You included several good examples for sharing peace. By being filled with the Holy Spirit and exibiting the peace of Christ, we can demonstrate this much-needed quality. Listening more and speaking less can add peace to any environment. Thank you for encouraging us to spread peace like pumpkin spice.
You make a good point! I tend to be the one to step out of the fray. Peacemaking is harder but necessary.