Painting by Belynda Wilson Thomas

Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be. Wayne Dyer

It is with awe and wonder, that we watch our new grandson. Even our dog’s maternal instinct is on high alert. What a wonderful time this is with a new baby and a wedding on the horizon. My mother-in-law is recovering from a hospital stay and is enjoying her great grandson’s first days before she goes back to her own home.

The other grandparents and my son-in-law’s sister came for a visit. Our grandson won’t remember having all these people around him who love him but what a blessing to be wanted and loved before we are born, and to be born into peace and plenty.

On the other side of the world, babies are as wanted and loved but are born into turmoil and strife through no fault of their parents. It would take so little to have peace and plenty turn into turmoil and strife. It would take so much to turn it back into peace and plenty.

We are basking in the joy of our golden moment because wringing our hands in angst doesn’t help anyone else. I haven’t been touched by war and yet parts of the world have been in a never-ceasing round of wars. “The world as a whole has not been at peace since 1914, and the 20th century is regarded as the most murderous in history,” states Eric Hobsbawm, in an article in the Guardian from Feb 23, 2002, and conflict has continued since then.

How then can we be content to live in peace and plenty when others are not living in peace and plenty? We live in our own little bubble and we always have. If our neighbor’s house burns down we feel bad for them, we may even help them out in any way we can, but we continue to live our lives as they try and put their lives back together again.

Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree. You still believe it to be a beautiful place. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

Even here in Canada where most can live in peace and plenty, not all are. What would need to change for everyone to live in peace and plenty? Does everyone even want to live in peace and plenty? Would some people think it wrong of me to think we have a choice?

We of course don’t have a choice if bombs are going to be dropped overhead. We don’t have control of the negotiation being made around the world. We can choose to look at what is, what we have control over in our lives, and make it the best we can. Is it possible for our mind and soul to be in harmony, to be free from desire and wrath, and to know ourselves? Is this what all religious doctrines, philosophers and wise people are trying to teach us?

Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. Buddha

We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope. Martin Luther King Jr.

There are two ways to be. One is at war with reality and the other is at peace. Byron Katie

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