Today is the International Day of Peace. It is a day to commit ourselves to establishing peace here and around the world. But today I reflect on just how distant peace seems to be at this moment. In the past week there have been bombings and stabbings. There have been the videos that show police-involved shootings of African Americans. News agencies reported of how a nine year old child was so bullied at school that he took his own life.
As I reflect on these (and many more) the words of Jeremiah come to mind: “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.” Jer. 6:14
My soul cries out feeling at any one moment – angry, helpless, and ignorant as to what to do to actually bring peace.
I realize I could not stop any of the previous tragedies. My life did not make an impact against any of them.
Where is the hope? I long for peace, but there is no peace.
But – I can live for peace in my small portion of the world. I may not be able to end racism, but I can treat all persons with respect and demand the same behavior from those I encounter. I may not be able to stop terrorism, but I can refuse to let the evil acts of terrorists stop me from living and also work to end human suffering where I am able to make a difference. I may not be able to stop bullying, but I can raise my children to recognize all people as children of God.
I can get overwhelmed by all that I cannot do – or I can resolve to make a difference in my own small way and work to see that grow larger everyday. I choose the latter.
