Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, April12, 2016
PEACE: Treating Others How You Want to be Treated
Another day of listing some special personal definitions of PEACE. These definitions came from my invitation to visit the Muslim Community Center last Sunday afternoon. This was after a lecture. The president of the Sunday school reminded the gathered crowd that I was there to ask the simple question “What is PEACE, to you?”
I am featuring one definition first, but it is unidentified. I did not have an opportunity to speak to each and every person, because so many people gathered around the table where I stood. Several people wrote heartfelt definitions, and left without speaking to me. (It is still an excellent definition!)
A personal definition: “PEACE is when there is a presence in the heart and mind.”
The second definition comes from the daughter of a woman who attended the lecture. The young girl was particularly articulate and earnest.
Ashna’s personal definition: “PEACE is treating others how you want to be treated.”
I thought this was a wonderful definition, especially coming from one so young. I asked Ashna a follow up question, for more information. She responded, “If you’re nice to people they can be nice to others. And, then, to others after that. It can continue.” I nodded, and mentioned that her definition just kept going and going. Ashna nodded again, and smiled her shy smile.
Both of these points of view are so applicable. The first is internal, talking about an inner peace. The second is a mix of both—internal and external.
Gracious and merciful God, thank You for such a variety of definitions! And, thank You for giving people such creativity.
Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.
Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind. @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er
(Thanks to everyone at the Muslim Community Center in Morton Grove, for making this week of personal definitions of PEACE possible.)
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