I am writing this as we celebrate the holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, as the pre-eminent figure of our time who advocated and practiced non-violence as a way to effect change in our world. King was a student of Gandhi, though the two never met, as MLK was only 19 when Gandhi was assassinated. Both changed the world, and that change commenced as they chose peacemaking as a way to live. I like to think that they opted for peace, not only in what they did, but also in what they thought and what they spoke.
That is the way of living in this world that I choose, and I begin with my thought. I have the power to choose my thoughts, and with some practice, I am learning to do that positively. For me this means withholding judgement (of everyone) as I try to put myself in their shoes. It’s not an easy discipline, but when I so choose, it is much easier to guide my speech and to direct my actions.
Our Unity community sings The Peace Song at the conclusion of our Sunday morning services, the last line of which is…”and let it begin with me.” So, if I would see a peaceful world, let it begin with me!