Anna M.
Carter
The University of
Phoenix
GEN101 Skills for
Lifelong Learning
Group 1
Ron Siddell
Peace
(pes) n. 1.� The absence of war or other
hostilities.� 2. An agreement or
treaty to end hostilities. 3. Freedom from quarrels and disagreement;
harmony.
Peace is one of my favorite words.� Yet, why is it so elusive?� I think if there is one thing that we all
desire, that is peace.
I find myself often frustrated after
experiencing disrespect, or witnessing unfairness and mistreatment of another
human being. I am frustrated because I feel helpless to do anything to change
the attitudes of others.� I think
before we can seek world peace, we must make peace with our neighbors,
coworkers, friends and family.
It seems as if our lives are becoming
increasingly difficult, as we co-exist with so many people on our planet. For
me, a relaxing drive in the country used to be enough to reach a balance after
a long, difficult week at work. Now, because our roads and freeways are
crowded, it is no longer relaxing. It is a battle of too many cars, too many
people and road rage.
I believe everyone is overworked, overcrowded
and overextended. Consequently, I believe everyone is on edge and has to be
reminded that we are not alone.
After my recent visits to a homeless shelter,
an AIDS hospice and a shelter for children at risk, the large numbers of
people who had a need for such services overwhelmed me.� I am overwhelmed by the need for such
places in our city.� I felt the strong
urge to do something to try to help.�
How can I have peace when so many of my brothers and sisters do not have
food, shelter and clothing?� I cannot
help but ask why?� I am often saddened
by the behavior I see and have experienced.�
I pretend I am okay, that it does not hurt.� Sadly, it does hurt. No one knows. If they knew, would they
care? Am I the only person who has compassion? Am I the only one that
cares?�
With all the pressures of daily life, I can
understand why some people are impatient and intolerant.� The pressure becomes such that many people
may feel unable to withstand one more demand.� The world is in chaos and many families are in crises; no
wonder many of us are unable to find peace. Healing has to start with each of
us. We must treat each other with respect and kindness. We have to start
caring for one another.
In addition to the outside chaos, there is
petty meanness, jealousy and disrespect in the workplace; it is no wonder we
are intolerant.� I dream of a company
that treats employees with the respect one deserves; a company that
appreciates everyone for their uniqueness, rewards those who deserve to be
rewarded and praises those when a job is well done.
Personally, when I am feeling chaotic, I try
to find some solace in the Bible.�
One
of the passages I recently read says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace
I give you” (John 14:27).�
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have
peace.� In this world you will have
trouble.� But take heart! I have
overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Also in the Bible are examples of others who
have gone before us who have suffered extreme pressure and adversity.� Their faith in humanity was such that they
can certainly be examples that could be followed.� Many people can try to follow their own �good examples,� learn
not to lose heart, and nurture hope.����
I believe there are many people like me who
would like to see a kinder world.� I
believe we all want the same thing, Peace.
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