Each week in Advent we light another candle to invite the light of Christ into the world and into our lives. Peace is fragile and needs to be practiced (rather than preached.) I’m trying to be more intentional about practicing peace through silence, meditation, walking in nature, and expressing gratitude. Welcoming the Spirit of Peace means that I let go of the illusion of being in control and let life unfold, and let God be God. My friend Wakoh Shannon Hickey has shared this prayer with me: “May I have love, joy, wonder, and wisdom in this life, just as it is.” I wonder if this prayer will find a home in you in this week of practicing peace?
Last Sunday, the Montague Pribyl family lit the Advent candle of peace. The children rang bells, the Choir sang, and we shared the gifts of lifegiving bread and soul-quenching juice in the sacrament of Communion. Click here to worship with us.
I’m grateful to be practicing peace (and life) with all of you.
In faith, Marylee
“From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax and be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we can walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth.” Thich Nhat Hanh, Being Peace