These are tense times. People who would normally take small annoyances in stride can become irritated, even confrontational. We need to keep in mind that we are not obligated to join every argument we are invited to.
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
I am not always a peacemaker. But something happened recently that showed me that being a peacemaker can help you discover other children of God. It happened when Bonnie and I went to Cedar Creek Inn in San Juan Capistrano to celebrate our anniversary. (FYI: They have the best coconut cake there.)
The ringtone on Bonnie’s cell phone is a lively praise song: “Every Praise to Our God.” It is a real attention grabber, so Bonnie is normally careful to silence her phone before she goes into a church or a restaurant. We were waiting for our lunch to be served when our granddaughter called. Bonnie had forgotten to silence her phone, so she smothered it with her hands as she moved to turn it off.
When I learned that it was Sierra calling, I asked if it would be OK for me to call her back. I was talking with Sierra when a woman approached our table. Glaring at me she shouted, “You are extremely rude. Talking on your phone, you are disturbing everyone.”
Although I often receive complaints because I speak so low, I apologized to the woman, told my granddaughter I would call her later, and immediately hung up. Bonnie thanked the woman for making us aware of the issue.
A short time later, another woman approached Bonnie. “I want to apologize. We did not agree with her; you really weren’t disturbing us.”
Bonnie thanked her and told her how much she appreciated her kindness. I immediately thought of Colossians 3:13 (NLT): Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Our food arrived, but I excused myself and went to fetch something from the car. Returning, I handed Bonnie three olive wood crosses in their red velvet bags. “One is for the woman who offered the apology, one is for her husband, and one is for the woman we disturbed.”
When the woman we had offended went to the restroom, Bonnie took the crosses to the table. I couldn’t hear their conversation, but the looks on their faces let me know that two sisters in Christ had formed a bond. They exchanged phone numbers and agreed to get together soon. It turned out she and her husband were also celebrating their anniversary. While Bonnie and her new friend were talking, the husband of the woman who had initially confronted us held one of the crosses to his heart. You don’t know how much this means to me,” he whispered.
Later, everyone exchanged pleasantries as the foursome left the restaurant.
By the way, using a cell phone in a public place is impolite. I was rude.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9
Blessings,
Don & Bonnie Sennott
Because He Loves Us Press 