Even in the small schemes of our lives
there are times when we come upon the big mess
which we may or may not have caused.
The challenges given, the first shots fired,
volleys of words thrown like grenades,
the bodies prone, the revenge promised…
war even on the tiniest scale wreaks havoc
and rejects consolation through the years.
The fog of war never completely lifts
but the casualties are completely clear.
Trust and innocence blown to smithereens,
hope sidelined in the trenches
with bitterness like a rat
gnawing on grudges.
Jesus, make it stop.
Give us imagination
to see relationships restored
forgiveness offered
good will renewed;
give us vision to see this battlefield transformed.
We long for a field of winter wheat
green after the fiercest season,
friends embracing enemies,
an armistice to the cold war–
a white flag in the spring of peace.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.