Agent of Peace

Bouquets of flowers placed at the base of a stone wall as an impromptu memorial on the tenth anniversary of terrorist attacks in Paris. A black-and-white sign saying “Peace Now,” with a stylized dove and olive branch, is posted on the wall, next to a note in French on yellow paper expressing grief on the anniversary.

Let us take a minute to ground down into this space.
To feel all that is stirring in our hearts.
These are disturbing days to live through.
As our days shorten, and the leaves on the trees change color,
We are reminded, in brutal ways, that death is a part of this life.
Whether we feel distant or close to those in the throes of war,
We feel tugs of anguish from where we sit in the interconnected web of all life.
May we mourn alongside all those who do not have the space and safety to properly grieve their beloved dead.
May we mourn the loss of each child, knowing that every child in this world is one of our own.

Oh, great, abiding spirit, name beyond all names, love beyond all love, 
may you guide every one of us.
Help us to feel our humanity in this time.
Help us to be clear about what work is ours to do.
Help us understand that we do not have to have all the answers, 
nor can we even try to.
And help us to take the action that we can, as we use our voice to urge our leaders toward care and wisdom.
May we do all we can to be a force for love, right here in our families and communities.
May we, in all of our living, move with a spirit of peace, so that we may be an agent of peace for all who encounter us.