Amazing Peace

“If we wish to create a lasting peace

we must begin with the children.”

--Mahatma Gandhi

This is a beautiful book by Maya Angelou, Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem.  The book is illustrated with gorgeous paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher.  Ms. Angelou read this poem at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 1, 2005.

Some of my favorite lines come near the end:

Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.

We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian.

Implore you to stay awhile with us

So we may learn by your shimmering light

How to look beyond complexion and see community.





Peace 3

Nothing is worth more than this day.

- Goethe

This time of year is usually so stressful for me.  Partly because of the holiday activities but also because it's the end of the semester and I'm about as motivated as my students.  I know I'll get it all the grading done, but I've also got to take care of myself or I get sick.  Like I am now.

So today I'll rest.  I already spent the morning napping and reading a novel (one of my favorite forms of play).  The house is quiet for a little while longer.  I am at peace.

What are you doing to find a little peace?