Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me!!!

Happy Easter Monday!!!

I am often reminded of “Peace on Earth”.  

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me 
Let There Be Peace on Earth

The peace that was meant to be

*****

And, let it begin with me!!  What a concept, that I can create (‘begin’) peace.  I can be a spark of peace. But to begin with me, I have to LIVE IT totally.  I have to be a woman of peace. I can’t let anger rise up within me!!!  

Peace can be two-sided - external peace and inner peace.  I can smile and hug and be pleasant (‘peaceful’) - but still, have turmoil within myself.  

I need to master inner-peace - the peace that passes understanding (see Philippians 4:7).  

Some religions (most?) have meditation and reflection as part of that gaining inner peace.  For me, I start my day with some scripture reading and prayer and just “quiet time”.  

Christians talk of peace frequently “Peace be with you”; Jesus as the “Prince of Peace”.  How do you put peace so deep inside yourself?  

Maybe one of my favorite computer concepts - GIGO - garbage in, garbage out.  To have inner peace, I have to let peace into my heart (aka - into my mind). Maybe it is to block out the stress of the world, to open myself to the divine nature.  

Maybe inner peace needs more than half-an-hour in the morning?  Maybe I need to ‘practice’ peace like I practice fitness and exercise!!

Lately, I’ve been struggling with comparisons.  I have a friend (AP) who is very talented

I want to be as good as she is.  But, that is making a comparison.  (More on that tomorrow). I am the only person that I can change.  

All real change begins with yourself.  You can tell people to change, but ultimately the change has to be something that a person wants to do.  

You can model love and peace to others - and maybe they will start to imitate you.  You can be the change you seek in the world.  

Wikipedia (talking about the Golden Rule) says “The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one's self would wish to be treated.”

If you want to have friends, you must be a friend first.  

Two other Bible verses - “Love your enemies” and “Love One Another”

We are all made in the image and likeness of God!!!

Hugs - and Happy Easter / Blessed Passover!!!

Karen