A family with two young children stayed with us recently.  It was a sweet connection both for them and us.  We were talking about saying grace before a meal, and Ciara, (8), said she knew one.  When asked, she said, “Peace, Peace, in my heart.  That is where it’s got to start.”

We were both taken about by the simplicity and the depth of it!   So I decided it to pass it on to you, as we approach the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace.   I find myself saying it throughout the day: when I wake up in the morning, waiting for the bus, cycling along doing errands, and, of course, for our grace as we sit down to a meal.

The brilliant and controversial philosopher, Benedict Spinoza, said, “Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, justice.”  How transformative it would be if we all, including our leaders, politicians, teachers, parents, kids…  would start with having peace in our hearts! 

I wish you blessings and joy, sweet time with family and friends over the coming holidays, and above all, I wish you Peace in Your Heart!

Beethoven was also tracking along these lines when he set Schiller’s Ode to Joy to music in his grand 9th Symphony.  Like Flash Mobs?  If so, then check this out!

And another, specifically about the Prince of Peace!

Jill Schroder is the author of BECOMING: Journeying Toward Authenticity.  BECOMING is an invitation for self-reflection, and to mine our memorable moments for insights, meaning, and growth.  Check the website for a sample chapter, or see the reviews to get a flavor for the volume.  Follow me on Twitter, let’s be friends on Facebook