time for peace

it's that time of year when we wish for peace on earth. will our planet ever be free from violence and war? looking at history, i have to say, it doesn't look promising. still, it is worth our most valiant efforts.

Martin Luther King Jr. said:
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.

i hope that one day people will try to solve all problems without violence. some people are trying. there is a group planning the Gaza Freedom March to take place on December 31. they are using non-violence to seek an end to violence between Israel and Palestine. this group is making a valiant effort.

my effort is mainly for my life, but i hope that by living peacefully it will resonate through the world around me. i do not watch the news. i try to not watch tv or movies based on crime or violence. i write to the tv networks to praise their non-violent shows and ask that they reduce the level of violence they produce for our 'entertainment.'

every little effort helps. what could you do? i'd love to get more ideas to put into practice.

peace be with you.

talking

have you ever noticed how big problems seem when you're imagining all possibilities? we search for a solution before we have all the details. for instance, my husband made a vague comment that sounded negative. i spent hours imagining what there might be behind that comment. had i done something? was i missing something i should have done? so i guessed a few things then went on to imagine how i might improve the situation.

well we finally had time to chat. i had not guessed correctly about the problem. all my worrying was wasted time. the problem was troubling but knowing the details eased my mind. finally we could look at the situation and think together about ways to work through the difficulty. granted, we didn't think of a solution, but talking made the problem manageable. we can move forward together.

i like this quote:

Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
...Corrie Ten Boom

talk. get all the details. if you must worry, do it together.