Spectators at the Parade by Norman Rockwell
As a new bride I decided to create a home where our family could retreat from the tension and conflict of daily life. I had some great ideas of what this peaceful haven would be like. Interestingly, Dee had different great ideas. We discussed, then debated, then argued.
A war happens when one side wants their own way more than they want peace, and I was willing to go to war—lay down my life, if need be—to prevail. Dee wanted peace. I wanted to win, but I actually wanted more than that; I wanted to be right. It took me a while to realize that I was the cause of tension and conflict even while I was trying to carry out my dream of peace. I didn't understand that peace involved more than agreeing on a Christmas tree or who should wash the dishes.
Peace is not just an absence of hostilities, it is a state of mind; a decision to be cheerful, understanding, kind, loving and lovable.
"I want a little piece of peace."
People go lots of places in search of peace: a mountain top, a bubble bath, a voting booth, a garden, a museum, a convent. We all long for peace, but few of us have much enthusiasm for doing what actually creates it. Peace isn't like an unexpected rain shower; it is achieved deliberately. And luckily we don't have to wait for the whole world to be at peace to live in a peaceful world.As a new bride I decided to create a home where our family could retreat from the tension and conflict of daily life. I had some great ideas of what this peaceful haven would be like. Interestingly, Dee had different great ideas. We discussed, then debated, then argued.
A war happens when one side wants their own way more than they want peace, and I was willing to go to war—lay down my life, if need be—to prevail. Dee wanted peace. I wanted to win, but I actually wanted more than that; I wanted to be right. It took me a while to realize that I was the cause of tension and conflict even while I was trying to carry out my dream of peace. I didn't understand that peace involved more than agreeing on a Christmas tree or who should wash the dishes.
Peace is not just an absence of hostilities, it is a state of mind; a decision to be cheerful, understanding, kind, loving and lovable.
"Men who cry for peace sometimes look upon peace as something that may be picked as an apple from a tree, something that lies about within easy reach of humanity. If I pick an apple from a tree, I have first planted the tree, cared for it, watered it, brought it to maturity. Then in due time I may have the fruit.
"So with peace. It is not a thing by itself to be picked up casually, but it is the fruit of something sown.
"Peace can only be obtained by the use of a body of principles which, if obeyed, in time would give us peace. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. There is the way to peace."---John A. Widtsoe
I love the Young Women's succinct list of Christ's teachings. When I apply them to myself, and remember they apply to others, the result is peace, in every circumstance.
My marriage, my family, my home, my neighborhood: this is where I work for it. I want world peace, but I'm more likely to make a difference in my own little piece of the world.
- Faith (The Lord will bless me.)
- Divine Nature (I am a child of God.)
- Individual Worth (I have something worthwhile to contribute.)
- Knowledge (I must search for wisdom and truth, and learn from experience.)
- Choice and Accountability (I will take responsibility for my choices.)
- Good Works (I will serve others gladly.)
- Integrity (I will be honest in my dealings, and repent when I fall short.)
- Virtue (I will strive to be pure in my actions and thoughts.)
My marriage, my family, my home, my neighborhood: this is where I work for it. I want world peace, but I'm more likely to make a difference in my own little piece of the world.
7 comments:
I love the quotes and I love the message! I, too, try to create a peaceful home, but then the kids fight and I complain, and, and, and...
Thanks for reminding me that peace is something to be worked for....that it doesn't come easily.
I've noticed when I'm arguing with my kids, as soon as I decide to choose peace, I have peace. Even if the kid is still pressing me!
This is a good list of personal beliefs. Do you mind if I copy them for a class I teach?
Thank you, Pat (a lurker)
This list of values is taken from a code of conduct in the Young Women's organization of the LDS church. If you email me, I'll make sure you get a copy of the whole thing.
I just realized LDS means Mormons. Where have I been? I understand your church has lots of teaching materials but I'm afraid to ask any Mormons I know about your church for fear they'll think I want to convert. Is there a website where I can anonymously browse?
Pat
Here's a link (I hope it shows up as a link on a comment). You can browse to your heart's content and nobody will ever know!
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e419fb40e21cef00VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRD
I wrote a post called I Believe which is on my sidebar, and there's also a link called Mormon Messages that has good utube presentations that are applicable to people of every faith.
Sorry it didn't turn into a link. Either cut and paste, or go to www.lds.org/
Go Oma!
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