Positive Views of PEACE

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, April 3, 2016

Positive Views of PEACE

Again, I am featuring students at St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. I visited the school some days ago, in the lunch room. Anyone was free to come up to the table I had set up on one side of the large room to make a sign with their definition of PEACE.

This was a wonderful chance to talk with young people and get their viewpoints on PEACE.

Kevin’s personal definition: “Peace is living in the moment without worrying about past or future.”

Such an insight! I asked Kevin for more information. He responded, “There are so many things in life. It is so easy to get caught up in the past or in the future, what you’ve done, or what you maybe might do in the future. You just have got to enjoy yourself in the NOW.”

Kevin, that is so right. Getting caught up in the past is not beneficial. The past is the past, and there is very little anyone can do about it except change one’s behavior in the present, the NOW. Similarly, it’s not a positive thing to always focus on the future. If we do that, the possibility is that one can be paralyzed and end up doing nothing today. NOW.

Gina’s personal definition: “PEACE is getting along and being happy with others.”

I asked her to explain. She said, “Peace is getting along, which is no fighting! We need to work together for a good cause. That way we all can improve the world and live happily.”

Such a positive definition. No fighting. That can work either on an individual or a group level. Working together helps so many people. Harmony and togetherness break down barriers.

Dear God, such wonderful ideas. Please help us to continue talking about PEACE, to continue working together and focusing on the positive things in life. Thank You, God.

@chaplaineliza

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Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, March 16, 2016

PEACE is NO Fighting, NO Hatred

Today, both personal definitions of PEACE involve fighting. Or rather, NOT fighting.

Another day to present two young people from St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. Another day to see what kinds of amazing thoughts these high schoolers have.

Julia’s definition: “PEACE is no fighting/no hatred.” When I saw that, I thought it was pretty self-explanatory. However, just in case, I decided to ask for a further explanation. Julia said, “It’s unnecessary to fight to solve problems. I personally don’t like war and fighting.”

Grace’s definition: “PEACE is communicating calmly.” When asked for further information, Grace’s response was, “I think people ought to solve things reasonably. Try communicating!”

Both definitions lift up something important. Vital. Even, fundamental. I have seen so much fighting, violence, division, even scathing hatred. Isn’t this simple and straight-forward?

Dear Lord, how much more fundamental can a person get? No fighting. No hatred. Communicate calmly! Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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