Discussion Island

In the middle of Loch Leven, shadowed by the mountains of the Scottish Western Highlands, sits a tiny island steeped in rich history.

It's called Discussion Island.

Since medieval times, if there were any arguments or disputes among the people, the quarreling parties were rowed out by boat to Discussion Island. They were given cheese, whiskey, and oat cakes and left there until they sorted out their problems.

No refills provided.

And as a result, in over 1,500 years only one murder has occurred in that region.

I was fascinated as a local woman recounted the story to me on my recent visit to Scotland. Discussion Island isn't very large. In fact, only a few trees stand in the middle of it. You could walk across it in less than one minute.

Now, picture the person with whom you have quarreled recently.

At times our arguments have substantial grounds. But more often than not, don't we get our noses out of joint over the small stuff?

It tends to be the day-to-day irritants that grate on our nerves and cause pettiness. Perhaps a careless remark taken the wrong way or out of context started the whole thing. And you've decided to avoid the person or just not talk to them for a while.

And the tension in the air mounts. It begins affecting others. It becomes bigger than it needs to.

So, let me ask you...

How fast do you believe you could sort out the issue if Discussion Island awaited?

"Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26

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