I don't think so.
"Can we live a life of peace and happiness?" "I don't think so." - Breaking Benjamin
I understand how they feel. Let's look at this week by the numbers:
- 13 people killed at Columbine High School eight years ago today.
- 32 people killed at Virginia Tech a few days ago.
- 168 people killed in Oklahoma City twelve years ago yesterday.
- 12 people killed in a suicide bombing today in Bagdad, that doesn't count the
- 198 people killed in five simultaneous bombings on Wednesday and
- 12 people killed in a suicide bombing yesterday.
And this is only a partial list! We didn't include all the people who died in Palestine, Israel, parts of Africa, the war in Mexico, and on and on and on.
What does it mean?
Human beings hurt each other. Some people say it's what we do best.
I don't think so.
We live our lives in peace every single day. We overcome our injuries with tremendous resilience. We smile at our neighbors, nod to our co-workers, sing along with the radio, and laugh at our dogs. Peace is so ubiquitous that we almost never notice it.
Death, war, insanity, murder. These are abberations, freak situations, created by desperate, disturbed people. Grieve them. Notice them. Say a prayer for those involved. Light a candle. But don't focus on them. You'll miss the beauty that is right in front of you.
For today, in memorium of those who died this week in my country and the world, I'm going to focus on the beauty, peace and happiness. I encourage you to do the same.
Thanks Kevin for reminding me of the truth. -----