What do you think of when you think of peace? Is it a desire for peace and quiet, particularly at this rather hectic time of the year! Is it taking a sip of a ‘peace’ pukka tea or a time of entering a state of neutral nothingness- when you have nowhere to go and nothing to think about… but what do we actually mean by the word peace? Maybe there are lots of other ways for peace to come into our lives…
Firstly, peace from war and violence. This definition is, I think, the one that most people acknowledge and think of in relation to peace and, unfortunately, a desire we are always wishing for, at least for some part of our magnificent world.
We wish people to be ‘at peace’ when they die…. I always find this a slightly funny one because, obviously, one hopes that the souls of the departed will forever rest in peace but to have the chance to be ‘at peace’ when you die suggests that you must have not been ‘at peace’ when living and I would hope most people are able to lead a peaceful life. So maybe we should hope people continue to be at peace when they die.
Whenever I look at birds outside, I think of peace because of the dove. Apparently, the association between peace and the dove originates from a dove building a nest in a King’s helmet. As a result, the King’s mother begged him to leave his helmet behind when he went out for war (sounds a bit like my mother!) so he went out to fight without his helmet! His opponent took pity on him, being helmetless, and called a truce. Doves also sustain the most supportive family environments, working together to create a peaceful family life where their offspring with thrive…. so, they are really peace through and through.
Finally, we all think of peace at this time of the year as Christmas is a time for peace, being given with every wish for peace and goodwill. With all the upset, loss, separation and uncertainty that COVID has brought us this sort of peace seems more necessary now than ever.
Whatever springs to mind when you think of peace, I hope that it brings peace and hope to your homes and hearts this Christmas and always.
