There are so many words that define Peace. One of the things I’ve been pointing to throughout this series, is that Peace is a collage… maybe even a heady, glorious kaleidoscope of things.
We are so used to working within the parameters of the practical and the permitted. In contrast to this, Possibilities are endless. Let’s grant ourselves the permission to explore the many positive possibilities of Peace.
Possibilities provide openings. They are invitations to explore, (Invitation — there’s another wonderful Peace word!), to move beyond our allotted boundaries.
That’s the very interesting thing about living in a non-Peaceful, non-Peace-centered world. There are “allotted boundaries, defined parameters.” Too often the work we do is for the benefit of the ones who define those parameters and thus limit possibilities for Peace. The allotted boundaries often sound like, “We tried that before and it didn’t work.” “There is no money in the budget for that.” “We can’t afford to take the risk.” “Oh, I can’t do that.” “Better, not, probably won’t work.”
Turning our gaze and efforts to the Possible changes us drastically. “No way!” becomes “why not?” and “what if?” We begin to imagine ways over and around and through those defined parameters and boundaries that limited our visions of Peace.
Right now, we live in a world where possibilities and wild and wonderful connections are being tossed out. What do I mean? Look at all the constraints being put upon our bodies and our sexualities. Look at how our ways of thinking are being truncated and our freedoms restricted.
But you know, we don’t have to agree or silently give in. Living into Possibilities may require more of me and you. What if we stopped taking things personally, and when we heard people complaining about things, we asked them… or simply ourselves… how could we make things not only feel different but also be different? What are the Possibilities?
That’s it, Peacemakers. What are the Possibilities? Where is the Peace? Let’s explore, shall we?
Salaam, Shalom, Peace. Blessed be.
