As I sat the other morning by the picture window looking out over the first falling snow of the season, I felt as it the world had issued me an invitation to peace and I’d accepted. I’d put the lights of the newly decorated Christmas tree on and the lights reflected in the window panes—tiny bright spots in the blur of the falling snow. I was surprised to see the snow stick to the ground because the ground’s far from frozen with the mild weather we’ve had. (It had been in the 60’s last week which is unusual for New England in December.) But the snow began to frost trees and cover the ground with a blanket of white. I love the sound of snow. Unlike the pitter-pattering or pelting of rain, to my ears, snow makes the sound of hush.
It’s easy this time of year to get caught up in the swirl of holiday preparations and festivities and miss opportunities for stillness and peace. The list is long, but it can wait. I embraced the moment and breathed, closed my eyes, and felt a warm sensation as the feeling of peace spread outward from my heart center to envelop me. I knew then that I could walk in peace the entire day, this whole season, and for my entire life.
Yes, sadly, there’s ongoing strife in the world. Peace hasn’t spread to every corner of the world—yet. Peace begins in our hearts, first. We must discover and step into it ourselves and then bring it out into the world. Slowly it will catch on.
The invitation to peace may come in many forms. It could be:
- a beckoning call to step away from the busyness and enter the stillness
- a beloved holiday tune or tradition that helps rekindle your Spirit
- a quiet acceptance that the holiday season hold both darkness and light
However it comes to you, one of the best presents is the acceptance of the presence of peace.
Peace to you!