"Energy and persistence conquer all things." This quote from Benjamin Franklin captures key attributes of successful conflict resolution. It takes energy from all of the parties around the table to move from disagreement to peace. However, it is persistence which really separates a successful peacemaker from an average practitioner. Staying with the dispute requires energy and mindfulness on the part of the mediator and to remain in the moment demands patience and persistence. Often it appears that the parties are at an impasse, but an optimistic and persistent practitioner can gently move the parties past impasse. A very well respected mediator here in Georgia gave a presentation at a recent training entitled "The Fallacy of Impasse." It was proposed that the persistent and patient mediator can move the parties past any impasse. We as peacemakers need to subscribe to that philosophy when the going gets tough in our work.

When we think of the great accomplishments of any group of people in nearly any human endeavor, those results were the result of persistence. We should not expect anything less from the efforts to achieve peace between disputants. In a world that demands instant results and gratification, we can be an example of patient, persistent energy. By staying with those in conflict, we can help others also believe there is hope for the relationships in the room.