Peace is not for wimps

Many famous peacemakers--Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Gandhi, Jesus--have been killed for their efforts. Most of us can give our lives as peacemakers without fear of martyrdom. Author Henri Nouwen says, "Peace is Shalom--well-being of mind, heart and body individually and communally. It can exist in the midst of a war-torn world, even in the midst of unresolved problems and increasing human conflicts." I can be a peacemaker in the simplest, though not necessarily easiest of ways. Really listen to someone I don't care for. Pay attention at work to someone who is hurting and offer a kind word or a prayer. Secretly do an unexpected good deed. Deepak Chopra says in his Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, "Always being a gift." He doesn't mean a purchased one. It could be a smile, a flower, a shoulder to lean on. Find someone today who could use a little peace and bring it.