Peace

 

Yesterday’s strong winds have blown themselves out. This morning dawns silent.

I look out to admire the last of the cheery snowdrops in the flower beds, but instead my eye lingers on the greens of the grass. We don’t have special grass. Probably most of it is moss or weeds. But this morning, the variation in shades of green is what catches my eye. Nuances and subtleties. Taken together, one might think it is a solid colour, but a closer look reveals varieties. It’s lovely.

Now a cock pheasant strolls past in all his glorious plumage, headed for the bird table and the seed he will find on the ground, spilled by his smaller friends. The richness of his appearance excites my appreciation, but the carpet of green draws my attention.

As the political world continues to fracture into polarised camps, we tend to see the ‘others’ as one solid shade (perhaps of black). Lord, open our eyes, whichever side of the divide we occupy. Open our eyes to see the differences; open our ears to hear the stories; open our mouths to express our opinions with kindness and respect. Bring us back from the brutality of hatred and anger.

We live in stormy times, but they, too, will blow themselves out. As my dad always used to say in times of challenge, ‘This, too, shall pass.’

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, God. So grateful for the everlasting life partner who never leaves nor forsakes us.