Peace on Earth begins with Peace of Heart

The phrase is featured on holiday cards, decorations and light displays: Peace on Earth. Of course, this is a noble wish, the value of which few, if any, would dispute. Of course, recent years have been a period of significant turmoil in much of the world, with political and religious wars being waged. Peace on Earth becomes an even more intense desire for families separated by oceans and everyday uncertainty.

Looking at these myriad challenges, it’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such enormous challenges. Therefore, we must choose to change our perspective. In fact, it is beyond our personal power to affect change around the world. However, we do not live in the world at large. We live in a world that we create around us every day. Sure, we’re aware of this larger world, but really, we’re responding to seemingly mundane things in our own city, in our own home, and in our own minds. This is where we spend our time. And in this space, peace can actually exist.

I love the writer Anne Lamott and her ability to convey human truth in a simple and clear way, and with humor. This is no small task. I tried and it’s a lot harder than it looks. He says:

“The best way to change the world is to change your mind, which often requires feeding yourself. It provides biochemical peace. It’s almost like a prayer: needing, eating, tasting, filling, building instead of tearing down. You find the strength to do something unexpected, maybe even one of the most sacred things: going out, getting up in the morning, getting up in the morning, walking in difficult times, walking in the morning, or other days walking or both.” from book Grace (eventually):Thoughts on faith

Do you want world peace? First, make peace with yourself. Only you know what that means to you, and if you’re not sure, take some time and think about it. Then do it. Choose peace. In line at the store, choose a calm heart and mind. Take a deep breath and smile as you prepare your fifth batch of Christmas cookies. If you’ve almost spilled water on your computer (I did), choose to be thankful you didn’t and laugh a little at your “drinking problem.”

What’s really great about this peace attitude is that it’s contagious. So your small choices can create a ripple that reaches Afghanistan. We can only hope, right? After all, that’s what Christmas is all about.