Obtaining Peace is quite a thing. It does not fall out of the sky in to our laps. It takes proactivity. It takes great intention. It takes perseverance. It is often very tiring. In short it is hard work. Should we really bother working for peace? Well, yes, because conflict can be destructive. That is true. But real peace is more than just the absence of conflict, just as real health is more than just the absence of disease.

True peace looks like people respecting others’ opinions. Not necessarily agreeing with them, but respecting them because a person formulated them, and persons are worthy of respect.

True peace looks like a person being ready to give another “a good listen”. It looks like attentive listening, which by the way is an art. Listening without interruption or eye rolling, without walking off half way through, and without assuming you know what is going to be said next.

True peace looks like people asking question after question until understanding of another’s situation is grasped fully.

True peace doesn’t give up until it has negotiated a plan for the way forward that will produce fruit that all can eat. It may not be every single person’s favorite fruit, but at the very least all involved can eat it.

True peace looks like people putting their heads together to problem-solve, and learning along the way a huge amount about what really matters to one another. This knowledge is often revelationary and a relationship-changer, bringing immense freedom with it.

So should we really bother working actively and tirelessly for Peace? Only if you think that True Peace counts.