Peacemakers who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:18
"I'm really sorry." I muttered it three times in less than two minutes. She had messed up my drive thru order but I was apologizing. The words came easily, without effort. I did not want to leave my passing encounter with her angry at me. Why did I feel the need to profusely apologize? More importantly, why I am so quick to apologize to a stranger and so slow to seek forgiveness from my loved ones?
I want to sow the seeds of peace within my home. I want the halls of my home to ring with harmony. I want to raise a harvest of righteousness.
Preparation
Just as the fields are prepared prior to planting so must my heart be prepared for peace. That preparation begins with Jesus over orange juice. It is my secret time with Him early in my day that tunes my heart strings toward harmony.
Planting
Like seeds dropped in fertile ground, I plant into the hearts of my family each day. Sometimes what lands there is contentious and provocative. When I first prepare my heart, I plant peace.
Pampering
Have you ever noticed how gardeners nurture their crop with tenderness. They diligently monitor for signs of illness, pests and drought. I need to invest the same care into my relationships.
I was so quick to heal wounds with a stranger. Greater care should be given those I love - I shouldn't just be quick to offer my apologies; I should be quick to offer my forgiveness. When you freely offer forgiveness, you harvest harmony.
Every one of us will drive thru today. Our stop at the window of our loved one's souls will plant in their hearts because we're all plant workers. Will we plant strife or peace?
What is one healthy way you heal relationships in your home?
