I am very lucky. In the midst of a world at war, I sit in a family wading in peace. The only tension I can find at the moment is the timing of when Christmas presents are opened. I wish I could package whatever the magic ingredients are and give it away; however, like many good things it just does not work that way. Christmas is, by definition, a time of celebration, reflection, and happiness. I look and see people afraid to travel home, a world where people cannot express their differences with the trust that the other side cares enough reach out and help, and where the most vulnerable sit where they are exposed to the world of human nature.
The contrast between tension, fragile lives, and war with peace, mercy and acceptance is bitter and sharp. Too often I take harmony and peaceful freedom for granted, assuming that since I can easily frequent this place of refuge and regeneration that others have the same opportunity. As I stop and reflect I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of those who have little or no chance to taste this experience.
“Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.” (Proverbs 15.18)
You and I have the opportunity to do something about this. I do not think we are going to solve world hunger or the exploitation of children at risk today; however, we can make a difference to the people in our lives and those we interact with during the course of the day. The opportunity is there for each in their space, time, and sight, yet it often goes by without any response.
Is today going to be any different? Is there any change that you or I are going to make that might result in a new course of action?
Someone yesterday was driving on the loose and hitting cars at random. Is that the metaphor of my life? Life is for living! Smiles are easier physically than a frown. Forgiveness spreads farther than revenge. Love is more valuable…well than anything else.
