A vision of peace

Sometimes the words of others need no editing. Henri Nouwen has, for many years, blessed me through his profound writings. I still regret that his life was cut short just at the time when he was sharing his most powerful insights. One shelf in my library is nearly full of his books; each one is a treasure. These words are appropriate during this holy season of the year:

Anticipating the Vision . . . "The marvelous vision of the peaceable Kingdom, in which all violence has been overcome and all men, women, and children live in loving unity with nature, calls for its realisation in our day-to-day lives. Instead of being an escapist dream, it challenges us to anticipate what it promises. Every time we forgive our neighbor, every time we make a child smile, every time we show compassion to a suffering person, every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers, offer care to tame or wild animals, prevent pollution, create beauty in our homes and gardens, and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations we are making the vision come true.

We must remind one another constantly of the vision. Whenever it comes alive in us we will find new energy to live it out, right where we are. Instead of making us escape real life, this beautiful vision gets us involved." from Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith, by Henri Nouwen

Rather than focus on all that is negative, e.g., fighting the crowds, arranging for family gatherings, "having" to send Christmas cards to certain people, etc., let us choose to make a positive change in the lives of others. The wonder of it all is that we, in turn, become blessed. We find peace and joy. We remember why we belong to the Lord, and we rejoice in what we have rather than what we do not have.

May this week go well for you. Be at peace!