Peace, Not War
We all have wars going on in our lives.
Some are physical, breaking bones and pouring blood from wounds.
Some are emotional, feeling like a knife cutting into our souls.
Some are spiritual, surrounding our problems and leaving us asking, “Where are You, God? Do you hear me?”
Some are psychological, playing tricks on our minds and causing behaviors we’d never do otherwise.
Some are political, dividing our communities and nation and keeping us from loving one another or respecting each other’s rights.
Some are familial, causing arguments, mourning, and greed in times of loss or times of unrest.
Some are personal, feeling incompetent, lacking in courage, and in self-esteem, or lacking whatever someone else has or is.
Some are financial, asking where our jobs went, keeping food on the table, or losing our homes.
Some are just being angry, confused, sad, or fearful about our future or that of the world’s.
And still others are the manipulations our society and the world place on what we truly love and care for.
Most of the time, we just need to slow down to realize God is in control, not us.
He gave us free will to make our own mistakes and to realize right from wrong.
We are the caretakers of His beautiful creation.
The people we love, the decisions we make, and the paths we follow are gifts from Him.
We choose peace or war, light or darkness.
We are one candle among billions of candles in a crazy, mixed-up world.
Our light, hope, and love are the difference between life or death.
It’s up to everyone of us to be the instruments of His symphony.
We send forth beautiful, joyous melodies and harmonies to counter the darkness.
Men will hear this music, and their hearts will be filled with peace, not war.
It’s up to all of us, not just one person.
Anna Hartt
