Considerations on Peace - All About Seniors

By Janice Neal Meyer, MDiv, GC-CIce cold wind blew across the harbor waters.A distinctive chop to the high tide crested against the battery wall.A new day dawned in the east with a brilliant sunrise that cast a promise of hope on a cold, windy morning.

As I shared a moment of personal silent meditation, the words Peace be with you came to my heart.We do find peace in many places and times, dont we? Sometimes we find peace holding a warm cup of tea, sitting in the warm sunshine of a winter day listening to birds or silence, attending a worship service of choice, during personal prayers, still moments, or being with family and friends are some of the ways I and others have experienced peace.Where do you experience peace?Most of us have probably shared this greeting, Peace or Peace be with you many times.Peace, it is something every individual seeks and, indeed, needs; regardless of what faith is practiced, regardless of nationality, race, color, or culture, age or gender.

Peace, it is the elusive state that the world continues to strive toward.The Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, refers to wholeness, completeness, wellbeing, restoration.In the Christian faith, we know of course that Jesus greeted his disciples with Peace be with you.Regardless of what language, this word peace carries enormous meaning, hope and respect when shared.By the time you are reading this, the holidays and, perhaps, the unique challenges with peace all holidays bring to many will be past.The State of the Union, State of the State, State of the City annual messages will have all been presented by elected officials in this new year 2026.

How are we doing towards peace for all? Do we need more peacemakers or peacekeepers? In the Christian faith, we remember that Jesus said, Blessed are the peacemakers.So what is the difference?Peacemakers are considered to be ones who seek to resolve differences, conflicts.Peacekeepers are often said to avoid the differences or ignore issues to maintain harmony.

What do you think? Which one do you usually gravitate towards? Which is needed most in our lives and the world of differences that we all live in together?Displacement in the midst of lifes challenges often threatens to disrupt ones peace.Death and loss of loved ones, loss of other meaningful relationships, geographic moves, children attending a new school, empty nesters adjusting to a new environment, listening to the evening news, and aging are a few of lifes challenges to peace.Recalling some ways to center oneself in the midst of challenges is one healthy way to enter the new year.Prayer, counseling, listening for understanding, still moments in nature and a faith of your choice are a few ways to help reorient one toward peace.Another put it this way:Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.

Albert Einstein.