July 26, 2016
Let there be peace on earth…and let it begin with me
Most of us have had warm feelings singing that old song. With our current climate of violence all over the world there is no better time for each of us to ask, “How does it begin with me?” Can one person really make a difference? If one person can cause destruction then one person can affect peace. The following are several small ways that will make a difference.
- Peace means we need to search our hearts and understand that fear causes us to act and speak violently toward our neighbor, those of different religious, cultural and political differences. We need to temper our language. Name-calling is for the bully on the playground. Saying or thinking, “I hate…” is another form of violence. Couldn’t we just disagree?
- We all have convictions. Convictions are good but they are often just opinions. When we are closed minded we seek only the evidence that supports our way of thinking. Listen and speak to others the way you want to be spoken to.
- Seek forgiveness not revenge. An eye for an eye leaves us all blind.
- Live in joy and gratitude. It is hard to be violent when you are aware of the goodness and beauty that surrounds you. Be grateful for the gifts of each day. Keep a gratitude journal. Let it help you be aware of the thousands of people, events and gifts that we all take for granted.
- Be reflective. Just because someone says something is true doesn’t make it true. Everything we see on Facebook or twitter isn’t necessarily true or accurate.
- Be reflective of other ways in your own life you could nurture peace. Could you do it at work, home, in traffic at a sporting event?
- Pray
