Broken. That’s what we are. Isn’t it obvious?

The way we communicate is broken—it doesn’t work. We approach every interaction from the place of already knowing exactly what we think, deeply convinced that what we think is the only way that is right and true and good. Why should we listen to each other when we already know the answer?

So we hurl our words at each other, not seeking to lovingly discuss or understand. We traffic in ultimatums that build walls between US (the right, the righteous) and THEM (the evil, the ignorant).

WE are the ones who see what’s really going on. THEY are the clueless and the blind.

The intensity of our disagreements has reached such a debilitating volume that it drowns out anything else. We don’t resist the algorithms that drive us deeper into our fractured reality, we embrace them, secretly thankful that they shield us from the insidious manipulation of a different perspective.

This is individual brokenness multiplied exponentially. It has brought us to the point where unity isn’t even the goal or objective anymore. Our goal is now separation. What person in their right mind would want unity with THOSE ANIMALS?

We’ve forgotten that we’re ALL broken—not just THEM. We’ve become convinced of our own rightness such that any problem that arises is a result of THEIR ignorance or willful manipulation or evil nature. WE couldn’t possibly be a contributing factor. WE are right.

And the fracture grows. Not just the space between us and them, but the gap between us and the life we were created for. The brokenness inside of each of us grows and deepens. We’ve become so used to it, we think it’s just the way life is. 

But there’s a life that’s better, deeper, higher, fuller. 

(Yes, “fuller” is a word now. I decided.)

There’s an ancient word to describe a kind of life that finds its source in a deep sense of oneness, wholeness, everything where it belongs, everything fitted together perfectly. It describes both an inward condition of the soul and an outward posture toward the other. It lies at the heart of reality, radiating outward with gentle strength. Never forceful, always available. Never hurried, always insistent. 

Peace.

God spoke to the ancient Israelites about peace, about oneness.
When Jesus was born, the angelic choir sang that it meant “peace on earth.”
Jesus told His closest followers that peace was a gift that He gave: “My peace I give to you.”

This Thanksgiving, I’ve found myself returning to a few words from the apostle Paul.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule. Let oneness, wholeness, the interconnected and interwoven nature of reality RULE in your hearts. Let peace be in charge. Let peace call the shots, make the decisions. Let wholeness (not brokenness) drive what you feel, what you think, what you say, what you do.

He uses this phrase (in English): “… you were called to peace.” 
Literally, it means you were “invited by name.” 

You have been invited … by name .. TO peace. 

Almost as if peace is a place—a place where we have been graciously invited, 
a place where we can choose to go … or … not.
You’ve been invited.

You don’t have to live in the land of brokenness, strife, division, hate, judgment, and fear.
There is a dimension of reality called peace and it’s available right here, right now, in every moment.

Peace is a table filled with goodness … and there’s a place set for you. 
All you have to do is choose to sit down and dig in.

And that is something to be thankful for.