This week at work, my past came back to haunt me.

It was a conversation, years ago, that helped correct a misunderstanding between two people. All told, it took five minutes from my day. I gained nothing from it. I simply noticed the misunderstanding unfolding and quietly approached the other party with a quick explanation and a suggestion that they go out to lunch and chat.

They did. The misunderstanding was smoothed over, and the two community members went on to work closely together on several projects together in the years since that conversation.

I thought nothing of it — and, honestly, forgot all about it.

Until I started a new job.

You see, one of those individuals is a good friend with my new boss and holds a position of influence within my new organization.

It wasn’t until after the third person (the Human Resources Manager, no less) swung by my office that first week to mention that Bruce had been raving about me during lunch, that I really stopped to think.

I was suddenly reaping the benefit of my simple words, my willingness to step forward as a peacemaker, all those years ago, at just the moment when I felt a little vulnerable and exposed as a new employee in a new company.

I smiled secretly as I turned back to my work. And I thanked Jesus for the great wisdom contained in Scripture, and for so clearly being with me as I started a new job.  

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9