For me Christmas is a time to celebrate Hope for Peace. When I told my son this he offered “Mom, peace can only be achieved internally, for the individual.” Hmmm, that’s a thought, I’ll have to mull that over in my mind for a while.
……..
It seems impossible that we would ever have Peace on Earth, in an international sense. It has never been so, and it isn’t exactly looking promising right now. We don’t even have peace within some families, neighbourhoods or communities. Certainly a lack of peace is wildly evident in cities and within country boarders.
Hmm indeed. Yes, I need to look at this differently, and work to find peace in my own little sphere.
My mother had a poem posted on her bedroom wall in Victoria for more than 30 years. She tried to live by it. Here it is for your pleasure this Christmas, in honor of Mom, who was always mindful of keeping peace.
Desiderata – Words for Life
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
— Max Ehrmann, 1927