Frazz, by Jeff Mallett, from Sept. 21, 2011.

There’s something we don’t see a lot of in the world, unfortunately: Peace. With wars and hatred all around, sometimes we can wonder if peace actually exists.

I believe it does, but we have to be willing to work for it. Sure, fighting or otherwise showing your power might be easier for some, but is that anything to be proud of? And if your answer is yes, what are you doing here?

Do you see the thorns or the rose?

International Day of Peace is Sept. 21, 2014.
Image from Wikipedia.

Today, if you didn’t already know, is International Day of Peace, observed around the world each year on this date.  From the United Nations Peace Day page:

Established in 1981 by resolution 36/37, the United Nations General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Furthering the Day’s mission, the General Assembly voted unanimously in 2001 to adopt resolution 55/282 establishing 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you don’t know.

I think it’s a great idea not just for one day, but for every day. For inspiration, a few thoughts on peace:

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” ― Albert Einstein

 “We must be ready to learn from one another, not claiming that we alone possess all truth and that somehow we have a corner on God.” ― Desmond Tutu

“Only the brave men and women can bring peace to the world, not by practicing war but by practicing nonviolence.” ― Amit Ray in the book Nonviolence: The Transforming Power

 

“Peace demands the most heroic labor and the most difficult sacrifice. It demands greater heroism than war. It demands greater fidelity to the truth and a much more perfect purity of conscience.” ― Thomas Merton