Paying it Forward: Peace to All
Paying it Forward: Peace to All
Looking forward, knowing the days are long, but the years are short. Peace to all people everywhere for the coming year
By Jack Browne
I have much to look forward with great hopes and wishes for family, friends, community, country and all peoples. It’s been a year of blessings including the opportunity and challenge to repeatably delivering 50 columns worthy of your attention, engagement then volunteering in service with a nonprofit.
My hopes are summarized best by friends Marie and Eric holiday letter excerpts, following in italics. “All have grown & changed some although we never notice until we look back. We know the days are long, but the years are short. Watching them brings back memories. Be present in the moment every day, hug each other a little tighter, cut people a little more slack, and fully appreciate the time we get with our family and friends. We hope you have the opportunity to celebrate with the people who mean the most to you in whatever way you are able during the holidays. Wishing all of you much love, peace and joy in the coming year as we savor every festive moment. Cheers to 2024!’
My wish, be the person who sees others, what could be and acts in service to others. You must seek to understand to best serve others. Listen and understand what they need, not what they asked for.
Life teaches, learn as you grow. A recent lesson to choose the easier path. I spent precious time with grandkids decorating gingerbread house kits I purchased rather than baking them. Better choice to watch and enjoy Home Alone with all four of them decorating, then eating their gingerbread houses.
As holidays near, the need for volunteers grows. Make someone smile. Hours in service, dollars for needs, testimony to encourage others to action, or your special talent in furtherance of the mission of your nonprofit. Each action makes a difference. I’ve seen the joy and energy of those volunteering to help the Salvation Army reach their goal of $150,000 – currently $115,000 as I write this. Or getting the last of the donations by this past Friday for the Hospice Tree of Lights.
Dreams are inspired by the richness of our engagements with other people, places, and things. Thus, comes hope. My hope is for peace. Peace to all people everywhere for the coming year – without conflict, disease, hunger, homelessness, poverty, or illiteracy.
Free Ukraine, Peace in the Middle East and Worldwide.