Today in my lectio reading the phrase “blessed are the peacemakers” jumped out at me. This is a good reminder that we as parents are the gatekeepers of peace in our home. I’ve heard it said that we are the thermostat of the home. We help regulate the climate/atmosphere of the home. If I’m hot and bothered and fly off the handle then my kids are going to be impacted. We are to be conduits of peace. If I strive to do this- it not only blesses myself but also blesses my kids and my husband.

A peacemaker is defined as a person who brings about peace, restores peace, especially by reconciling adversaries. Man, it can sure feel like parents and kids can be adversaries at times. I think of my youngest and his strong will to do things his way or I think of a teen also trying to demand their way.

Synonyms of peacemaker: mediator, negotiator, intercessor, peace-lover, dove.

The opposite is agitator, instigator, arguer, fighter. Bedtime with my youngest definitely feels like I’m a negotiator. I love Jim Gaffigan’s hilarious explanation of this nightly process. Funny Clip

To maintain peace being an intercessor/a person of prayer is essential. In a heated moment- a quick silent prayer helps me to remain peaceful. And the times where I do not pause and pray (which is far more common than not), I become more like an agitator/fighter. When I respond in the same heated way my child(toddler or teen) is behaving it just escalates the situation instead of helping peace to descend onto it.

As I was listening to this passage a neighbor dog was relentless in his barking. I thought how it was disturbing the quiet peace of this chill morning. Then my little dog starts growling and wants to return the fierce barking. He is whining for me to open my bedroom door so he can run out to the backyard and fiercely bark back. But in my mind I think, “Let it be” and pick him up and put him on my lap under a blanket and he’s instantly chill. This is truly his happiest place. He could get all rilled up and waste time and energy barking back or he can cozy up with his master and enjoy the peaceful place of warm, safe rest.

I love the imagery God gave me. Lord, help me to lean into You when I am tempted to get all rilled up and bark back.