Peace

A teenager gave me the peace sign the other day. I waved to him as I was walking past his home and he held up the two fingered salute made famous in the 1960's. I hadn’t realized that it had survived the last 40 years to find its way into the hearts of a new generation. The last time I saw it widely used was when I was a young boy. Seeing those two fingers did make me smile, though, because they reminded me of the two truths that can bring peace to us all. I only pray that one day we all can welcome them into our hearts, souls, minds, and lives.

The first of these simple truths is that God loves us. God loves us when we do good and He loves us even when we mess up. God loves us enough to forgive us, guide us, and help us through all the mistakes me make, choices we face, and difficulties we must overcome. God loves us from the second of our birth to our very last breath. His love is eternal like our souls not temporary like these bodies that carry them around. He loves us all through this life and His love carries us into the next.

The second truth I know that fills my life with peace is the fact that we all can choose and share love as well. We may not always be able to love each other as God loves us, but we can have the time of our lives trying. There is nothing that brings you more happiness, greater joy, and more peace of heart than sharing your love with everyone. Love is the hardest thing in the world to give away, though, because it keeps coming back to you as well. Loving others is what we are meant for. It is the Way of Life that Jesus showed us all. It is the only thing that matters.

The next time you feel troubled then hold up those two fingers and remind yourself of what can truly bring you peace. God loves you and is with you always. Take peace in His love and then go out and share your own love, joy, and peace with the world.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

[ by: Joseph J. Mazzella Copyright © 2008 (joecool@wirefire.com) -- submitted by: Joseph Mazzella ]