Peace

[Mimi]

 Peace
 

 
The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined
to clench their fists.
~ William J. Clinton ~

When I awoke this day-after-Thanksgiving morn, my first thought was "And now the craziness begins." I buried my face in the blankets as visions of cooking and baking marathons, decorating frenzies, package wrapping all-nighters and assorted other holiday madness danced in my head. A low groan escaped my lips as I realized that there are only 32 days between now and Then.

Then reason took over. Reason and rationality and the too-many-to- count life lessons I have learned in the years since my cancer diagnosis.

My next thought was, "How blessed I am to participate in yet another holiday season!"

And my next thought was,
"This is the season of peace."

It is not about frantic activity of any kind. I am the only one who can determine what kind of holiday season I will have. This season is about peace, and in the words of one of my favorite songs,
"Let it begin with me."

No matter what your faith tradition, cultural background or family heritage, the days that follow Thanksgiving for a month or so are generally recognized around the world as the season of peace and joy and gratitude and love. Except for those who live to practice terrorism and hatred, this is the time of year to examine our hearts, forgive those who have hurt us and extend our hands to everyone we meet in friendship, reconciliation and harmony.

And so I climbed from my bed to begin the season, joyful to be alive and able to move forward into the next 32 days, and determined not to engage in crazy- making marathons, frenzies and all-nighters. "This is the season of peace," I will say to myself as I rise each day. "And peace begins with me."

I will savor every delicious moment. I will breathe deeply and say, "Thank you!" often and
throughout every day.

I will say extra prayers for healing: for our bodies, our families, our communities, our nation
and our world.

And my only resolution on January 1 will be to find ways to carry the season of peace into and throughout the new year and all the years that I am blessed to be alive on this earth.

Dear God, help us all to remember - no matter what our cultural background, heritage or religion - that this is the season of peace. Help us find ways to bring peace to our homes, our communities and our world. Show us the way to carry peace in our hearts throughout our lives.
Amen

The Cawthons

Love, Mimi
 

[bolta72]

 

[paris]

Mimi, you are a jewel!      A friend once told me she prayed every morning "Let me be a blessing to someone today".    We have a post in our yard with the words "Let peace prevail on earth".   So, thank you for the reminder.  I, like you, am grateful to enjoy another holiday season.   Peace and hope; two of my favorite words.

[boxman55]

Very nice, we all should follow your thoughts...Boxman

[Romona]

Beautiful!

[goofynina]

  You brought tears to my eyes Mimi,  but they are good tears, happy tears!!!  I secretly took a moment this passed Thanksgiving, i snuck away into my room and cried and cried, i often wonder if this will be my last and i thank God for each and every day He gives me to be with my family (especially on the Holidays)  so many people take so much for granted, they dont realize how fast it could all be gone.  Thank you Mimi, thank you for reminding us all how Blessed we all are.   

[okarol]

You brought tears to my eyes Mimi,  but they are good tears, happy tears!!!  I secretly took a moment this passed Thanksgiving, i snuck away into my room and cried and cried, i often wonder if this will be my last and i thank God for each and every day He gives me to be with my family (especially on the Holidays)  so many people take so much for granted, they dont realize how fast it could all be gone.  Thank you Mimi, thank you for reminding us all how Blessed we all are.   

      

[Mimi]

So true Goofy....We who are living with a chronic illness tend to think about 'no tomorrows' more than the average person.  But everyone is subject to this.  Whose to say you won't step out of your door one morning and be hit by a Mack truck  No more time, all gone, no tomorrow.  So today is the day to thank our Lord for His blessings.  Today is the day to say Thank You, Lord.  Then we will be safe.
 

Love, Mimi