We live in an “unpeaceful” time.  From politics to pipelines to “taking a knee,” battles rage around us.  Historically, there have been greater conflicts, but even an argument over the color of a coffee cup seems like a big deal when you’re in the midst of it.

A little girl in my community saw video on social media of someone stealing money from a tip jar at a local donut shop.  She took her “tooth fairy” money to the donut shop and slipped it into the tip jar with a note saying she was sorry about what happened.  Though the conflict was not her own, she saw a need and stepped in to help.  That’s a pretty big move for such a little girl.

As this week of peace begins, I hope each of us will think about the ways we approach conflict and the ways we interact with those who don’t agree with us.  Maybe we can begin to speak in favor of ideals and values rather than against individuals.  Maybe we can stand up and help, peacefully, even when the conflict doesn’t directly affect us.  The example was set for us thousands of years ago by one who was called the Prince of Peace and again this week by a little girl in a donut shop.  It’s kind of a big deal.

I pray that this week will bring peace to our hearts so we may begin to influence peace in the world around us.  Be sure to stop by and share your stories of peace this week.

Truly…