Work for Peace
William Smith of Independence, MO, USA
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. -John 14:27
I’m a poet, and I also love to read. In the mornings, I wake up early. When it’s early there’s just a feeling of peace. But then I have to face the day, and I do. I’m ready for whatever happens.
But peace isn’t just quiet. Peace is euphoria. Peace is rest. Peace is nonviolence. The definition of peace in the dictionary is “harmony in personal relations.” Peace is friendship. In bigger terms peace is also no fighting or war.
There’s a song in one of my favorite musicals called “Wait for It.” But sometimes you can’t just wait for it. If you want peace, you need to work for peace. If you want nonviolence, then you yourself have to work on it. You can try not to fight with your best friend or sibling or colleague just because they say something you disagree with. You can spread smiles around. Or to take it farther still, you could become an activist, going to parades or pride marches.
And me? I do my very best to not get into fights with other boys who tease me. I smile and make new friends. I write my poetry. And I stand up for transgender rights.
If you want peace, you need to work for it. You can’t just wait for it. Whether small or big, do what you can for peace.
Peace is quiet, euphoria, nonviolence, harmony, friendship, and not fighting.
Paz. Paix. Frieden. Peace.
Prayer Phrase
“Trust what is being born” (Stephen M. Veazey, Words of Counsel, 2019).
Spiritual Practice
Deepen your breathing as you enter a few moments of silent presence to God. Pay attention first to your own life as you gently ask and notice, “What is most alive in me right now? What is being born in me?” After a few moments of silent listening, ask these questions of your community, the church, and the world. Notice how the Spirit is revealing new life and possibility as you prayerfully ask these questions over time.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
