The Peacemaker’s Advice

 

I have several of my father’s mannerisms—how I hold my hands while listening to someone talk, my wide-eyed look of surprise, and how I love to smile. I also followed his pattern of writing letters and making daily To-Do lists. 


But the one trait I admired most was his ability to be a peacemaker. His management job required it. I wondered if it was something that he learned, or was just part of who he was, but being a peacemaker isn’t easy. There must have been times when it would have been easier to fight.



Dad was the Director of Quality for a paper manufacturing company—providing premium products, every time. When products didn’t deliver on time, or were sub-par, he took the blame. That’s a part of peacemaking that didn’t seem fair to me. But his positive attitude helped those he supervised feel secure so they could come to him with problems.


He traveled extensively—but his handy To-Do list helped him never miss sending hand written birthday letters and remembering family events. 


His peacekeeping role meant he continually made a choice that said, “You before me.” Not easy in our me-before-you world.  



Dad didn’t live long enough to see the advent of social media, or a nation that’s become so angrily divided. But I think I know what he’d advise: “An argument needs fuel. Just don’t add fuel or light the match.” That’s Peacekeeping 101. His peacekeeping wasn’t always successful, but mine hasn't been either. I sure miss him.


Happy Father’s Day to all the dads making a difference in the lives of those you love. You’re working hard to make our world better. And a better world helps us all.



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