It snowed here over night, not a lot, but enough to make a nice covering. Something I have always appreciated about snowfall it the quiet it brings. As I sit and ponder what to write today, I can not help but think about how in many parts of the world the noise is overwhelming; bombs exploding, gun fire, screams of the wounded and dying, the cries of the hungry and homeless. I am grateful for the quiet I am privileged to experience day in and day out for I have not had to “hear” the world in the ways that so many others have had to endure. Yet many times the quiet of my home is broken by the laughter of family, the racing of our cats up and down the stairs, birds in the tree outside my window, the occasional car that drives by. I am humbled enough by the silence I experience to ask for forgiveness for any complaining I might do under these circumstances when so many would relish that type of noise.

Following the blog of the Christian Peacemaker Team currently in the Middle East, I am reminded that just hoping for peace and wanting peace does little to achieve peace. I know that my role is limited; I can only do what I can for today to achieve peace in my home, community and country. However, I can pray with the conviction that if there is an overwhelming cry from everyday people around the world that a small amount of peace may be achieved and from that the “mustard seed” a mighty movement in the Spirit will convince people that Peace can be attained for all people.