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

Peace is an illusive goal. I question whether it is even possible in a broken world. Freedom from disturbance. Tranquility. A time of no war. “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart…..”

As we wander through the Nobel Peace Museum, I am overwhelmed by how many people have sacrificed so many things to bring peace. People have suffered and died to promote peace in a world all too eager to deliver destruction.

Human history is a series of struggles against tyranny and the power hungry; struggles against environmental and social destruction; struggles against vice and the money hungry; struggles against racism and misogyny; struggles against ignorance, poverty, and misplaced nationalism.

This places honors the individuals who have had the courage to stand, often alone at great personal cost, for a better way. They are builders and life givers. They are humble and deeply concerned with the human condition. Peacemakers understand that when one is diminished, so are we all. Therefore….Peacemakers do not taunt. Peacemakers do not mock. Peacemakers do not build walls.

There are many ways for evil men to disrupt peace, to divide, to dehumanize. The peace seekers attempt to educate, understand and build bridges. Sometimes reading headlines and history makes me tired. Weary to the bone. Senseless violence and destruction. Greed and avarice. Bigotry and ignorance. God help us all. Worst of all, walking these halls, I am reminded of the numerous instances of religion used as the excuse for violence, oppression, and genocide. Christ have mercy. I feel shame. My conscious is working on overdrive.

Why must we work so hard to convince people that human rights matter? Why is seeking the common good controversial and worthy of a prize? It is telling that the people honored here are seen as exceptional and the evil they have opposed is the default. I am feeling defeated that concepts I have tried to teach every day of my adult life: listening to multiple perspectives, dialogue, understanding opinion, cross checking sources, and empathy are rare skills. American social media has revealed a dark underbelly that I could not see. Now that I have seen it. I can’t look away.

But here in Norway, these ideals (that I had always believed were uniquely American ideals) are honored and talked about. In virtually every public space there are reminders and conversation starters. They have not forgotten the horrors of Nazi occupation. They understand the concept of common good. They are actively teaching their children their democratic values. I have to hope that democratic ideals are carried like a blazing torch in Europe …..and that one day they will be again practiced in America. Right now it is hard to see away out of the self imposed quagmire. Peace…..be still….

Peace keepers have to try. I have to try…..by encouraging dialogue, considering multiple perspectives, cultivating inclusion, protecting human rights, respecting the environment, promoting common good, and ….and….showing up for human decency. The same things I have tried to teach my whole life. The same things I have tried to live, albeit imperfectly. We are called to action.

One final exhibit, reminds us of the danger of echo chambers. Just a ladder, encouraging us to see beyond the walls that divide us. A reminder that there is something of value on the other side and that peace depends on all of us. Truth. Truth. Truth. I am overwhelmed with the wisdom of this space and the enormity of obstacles in front of us. I am fearful for my nation and the world if we can’t get out of the partisan divides. It sits heavy.

After hours of emotion and cerebral thought, I need a peaceful activity for balance. So ……Norwegian mini golf to the rescue. While we don’t plan to attend the advertised naked golf or the horse meat disco, we do join several families in an afternoon of laughter and sport. They probably think we are strange, playing the holes in order and taking turns with each putt. But we are American and like our rules better. Despite our differences, a good time was had by all. Peace….