As my family was remembering 9/11 this week, I have been pondering peace and what it means to me in my life, both as an American, and as a mother.
I think that for me, peace is freedom from fear. If I had absolute peace of mind, I wouldn’t have to worry about my children going to school and being potential targets of assassins or terrorists. I wouldn’t have to agonize over their health and wonder how disease might negatively affect their lives. I’d never worry that people could bully or take advantage of them. And I’d be free from the nagging concern that any time my husband (who works in law enforcement) is a half-hour late from work, I might never see him again.
For me, peace means that I have the ability to participate with my family in our lifelong established traditions, goals, and beliefs, without threat of outside interference. Peace means that I can leave my screen door open to enjoy the night breezes, without wondering if an intruder might enter my house. It means that I have no anger weighing upon my mind, and no regret burdening my soul.
Yes, I yearn for peace, and in so many ways it eludes me.
It’s ironic that peace has to be fought for. I’ve witnessed that firsthand. We often have to engage in battle in the hope of preserving peace for the future. And even if that battle is somehow lost, the pursuit is always a noble one. We just cannot sit idly by and allow peace to be taken from us. Tranquility, safety, freedom, liberty, happiness—they’re all worth fighting for.
We fight for peace collectively by declaring war on terror. We fight for peace individually by standing up for the things that are sacred, no matter the cost.
As parents, we fight for the peace of our children. We pursue the right treatments, education, and therapies that offer them the greatest amount of hope. And we muster up the courage to discipline them with consistent, predictable consequences so they can manage their own inner-chaos.
I think that sometimes we have to prescribe peace for ourselves like a salve or balm. As we parent our children, our minds are often so cluttered with worry, frenzy, guilt, and chaos, that serenity is hard to come by. We have to inject peace purposely into our lives. That might mean scheduling time for a good movie, a bubble bath, or a nap. It might mean putting everything temporarily aside in order to read a great novel, or enjoy a sisterly chat. It might mean edifying ourselves spiritually by listening to inspiring music. Peace might be found in the sanctuary of a church, temple, or synagogue, or in the joy of accomplishing a lifetime goal. Maybe it’s just stepping out on the porch for a momentary breath of fresh air. In any case, we must not give up these things without a fight.
Tonight I will pray for the courage to fight for peace.
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