Manic Monday - Peace

When peace like a river, attendeth my way;

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well...with my soul... It is well, it is well, with my soul...

"Who can say what it is about life that leads us to such a peace ... like a river. Who can say what ingredients it takes, for this person or that, that transforms such overwhelming sadness into personal peace, or brings healing, or ... leads our souls to a new depth, or compassion. Langston spoke of his people, whose souls had grown .... deep .... like a river. Perhaps the answers lie in the heart. And for each one, whatever the answer is, it comes in a kind of poignant solitude unapproachable in any other way. I ask this, though I just don't know for sure." ---Unknown

The person who wrote this hymn, did so after losing his four daughters in a storm at sea. I debated about which aspect of PEACE to write about today. World Peace is undoubtedly the most important because it would impact the most amount of people. But I'm a cynic. I do not think it will ever come about. Not in my lifetime anyway. It's not that I do not want it! Altruistically speaking, it's what every mother and inhabitant of this earth desires! I just do not think mankind is capable of cohabitating peacefully. Families can't do it - what makes us think mankind can? I'm not trying to throw cold water on a parade...really, I'm not. I will stand behind every reasonable effort to create a peaceful environment in which my grandchildren can live; but short of drugging the water source, I do not know what can be done to cause mankind to live peacfully.

For me personally, Peace of Mind is what I crave. Being able to lay your head on your pillow at night with a sense of peace flowing throughout your veins; a feeling of well-being without fear, no demons haunting you as you close your eyes to sleep...Peace Like a River.