It's not often I get chased off someone's property, but when I do, I'm sorely tempted to resent it. Even blow up.

My wife had made an appointment with a car wash to have tar removed from our car. When we got there, the owner rudely said that the appointment had been for the day before. My wife disagreed, and he lost his temper! He actually chased us off his property, shouting and waving his fist as we drove away.

Sure, the thought "You can be a peacemaker" popped into my head. But this was just too much. Instead of listening to that first instinct, I mentally ruminated and rehearsed everything that had just happened. Although I wasn't speaking out loud, my thoughts were far from silent. I had all kinds of choice things I wanted to say and do to this man!

This kept up even after we got home. After about an hour I was exhausted from indulging in fruitless self-justification and hatred. My weary thoughts fell silent and the idea "Be a peacemaker" came again. This time I was ready to listen.

I prayed sincerely, "God, show me how to feel at peace about what happened." As I listened quietly, the inspiration gently came that this man was God's creation. Since I believe that God creates only good, I realized this man really must have good qualities that I could actually love.

I remembered driving up to the car wash that morning and noticing how well-maintained the premises were. The driveway was swept clean, the hoses were neatly coiled by the building, and a row of colored flags lined the property. "Oh," I now thought, "he loves order."

As I began to recognize and appreciate other positive qualities about the man, my anger drained away. I found the peace I'd prayed for!

About fifteen minutes later the phone rang. You guessed it -- it was the car wash man! He apologized and said he could wash our car that day. When I explained I didn't have the car -- my wife had taken it to work -- he said, "That's okay, I was going to offer to pick up the car and bring it back." Which he did!

That "Be a peacemaker" thought that had kept coming to me was a spiritual message. When I listened to it, it had a powerful effect. Not only was I freed from anger, but the man at the car wash was freed as well.

Now when I encounter a potentially explosive situation or hear of others' confrontations, even big ones between nations, I respond with receptive silence. I listen expectantly for Spirit's direction and I prayerfully affirm that this same inspiration is speaking to every person throughout the world. It's a much better way to live.