Some years back we saw a notice that read "Something is about to happen; something is always about to happen." We were amused at the obvious nature of the statement, which seemed not to need mentioning. Something is always about to happen--it  is indeed the case--and should seem obvious,we thought.

 

"Life Happens" was on the bumper of a car we were behind the other day. Yes, indeed, "Life Happens." These two statements seem to speak of life's possibilities as well as the uncontrollable nature of reality. The statements acknowledge that we  can't manage some things. Things just happen sometimes. Regardless, we can manage our responses to the things which happen. There is control of our reactions and our responses to what happens, and in that there is a moment for insight and understanding rather than a sense of helplessness and emotion.

 

Joan Didion has written about her husband's sudden death in her book, The Year of Magical Thinking. In one ordinary-seeming moment her life changed tremendously. The book is Didion's way of working through things which happened. The book is her response to what happened; the writing allowed her to respond rather than to react to this major upheaval in her life. With time and through the writing process, Didion puzzle-pieced a new and different life together. Her response allowed her to stay on the emotional balance beam of life. Her response was under her control, though it was a struggle to maintain and manage it.

 

 

Life is change. Nothing never happens. We are involved in a process of change as a part of life, and we are also involved in a process of working toward  peace that is important.  Life is important. Peacemaking is important.

 

Peacemaking is a process. It is a life process. Life happens. Peace happens. Make peace with that.

 

Peace to you this day. Peace.

 

 

So many resolutions, hopes and plans for changes--we make them early in the new year filled with enthusiasm and inspiration as well as the belief that we will indeed accomplish them. We have the energy a fresh beginning provides. We fill our calendars with the steps we intend to take to meet each goal. We are encouraged by our own enthusiasm. We know we can achieve results.

 

Our own enthusiasm is incredibly valuable in pointing us in the direction of our values and goals. Our enthusiasm is what gives us our goals as well as the energy to accomplish them. Our enthusiasm sustains us as we move forward to those goals and it can carry us through any obstacles or challenges which may arise along the journey.

 

We do not create our enthusiasm. It is a natural occurrance within each one of us and we each must acknowledge and pay attention to what opens the flow of enthusiasm within us. When you find yourself enthused, you have to pay attention to the energy which comes in to motivate and sustain your chosen project, or path. Our enthusiasm actually creates and defines us. Our enthusiasm springs forth and pulls us toward that which opens our hearts, minds and souls to new and shining possibilities we have yet to realize.

 

Working for peace requires enthusiasm and the belief in a better world and life for all the beings of the world. The vision and the energy provided by the bringing of peace into possibility enlightens the journey. Share your enthusiasm and your vision. Enthusiasm is catching.

 

Peace to you this day. Peace.