Although aimed very much at the children, it still very much provides an education for the adults like me. Today the lesson was about peace.

When we think about the word "peace" we tend to conjure up images of war torn regions of the world with all the fear, violence and bloodshed that goes with it. How we wish and pray that these atrocities could end. For many of us we live in relative peace and calm, not ever knowing the experience and horrors of war. Although we can't truly know what it is like to be trapped in these conflicts, we can try to imagine. And for the images alone we pray that peace can exist across the world. If a global peace could be created then the fear of war and violence ever being placed upon ourselves could be eliminated. As has been seen on more than one occasion, the involvement of first world countries in these areas of conflict has bought acts of terror back home to within the borders of these countries. Every individual in this world deserves to live their lives free of the fear of violence, able to follow the opportunities that present themselves to make better lives.

Peace can be hard to find when all the negative aspects seem to be highlighted. It is a very sad aspect of our society and media that only the "bad" news makes news. It is very seldom that good news hits the headlines and this paints an extremely negative picture of our world. How can we find peace when we live in fear of "recession" or "global warming". Yes we have to see the photos and moving images of starvation because this is the reality of what is happening to some people on Gods' earth. But, the good news is that this creates the movement of people willing to help, determined to make massive contributions towards the elimination of poverty throughout the world. Gods' world is full of beauty, full of abundance if we choose to see it. By taking this route, believing that we can have rich and fulfilling lives enables us to be at peace with the world.

How many of us struggle to get on with certain individuals? Maybe we have arguments with the next door neighbour or there is somebody at work that we can never see eye to eye with. Our judgements of these people are clouded by the negative aspects of our relationships with them and we fear the next confrontation that we may have with them. Yet the truth is that there is good and bad in everybody and for the vast majority the good far out weighs the bad. We must try to see the positive traits in the personalities of others and learn to appreciate and celebrate these. If we can focus on the good characteristics of the people around us we can very soon learn to "love thy neighbour" and be at peace with them also.

We probably have all come across the phrase "you can't expect others to love you if you can't love yourself". Likewise, it is difficult to find peace with the world and our neighbour if we cannot find peace within our own hearts. And this at times can be very difficult to find. We all have our trials and tribulations. Redundancy, lack of financial security or even fear of stepping into the unknown can make sleeping at night troublesome. It is a much used cliché, but "we all only have one life". As much as we can try to visualise the future so that we can fulfil our dreams, the truth is in the present. What we do today is what matters therefore we should make the most of each day. Worrying about the future only affects your moods now. Acting positively on solutions now, and enjoying what today brings will establish peace of mind and a restful heart.

Peace be with you.

How fantastic is that?

Terry Norrington

www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com