Peace and All Good

It's Friday October 4th, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi.  It is amazing how the simple life of a man born into wealth in 1182 and died in 1226 as a simple, humble servant has had a profound impact on so many lives. I once heard that he is 2nd place to Jesus in the most books written about a person in the Library of Congress.  He has certainly had a profound impact on my life and can serve as a reminder to all of us during these times when hatred, injury, despair, darkness and sadness abound.  In a time where our Congress is seeking to be consoled, understood, and loved rather than consoling, understanding, and loving the people they were elected to serve.  In a time when violence and shootings are every day headlines and the solutions to the problems divide us more than the problems themselves. Rather than loving our neighbors we lock our doors and pull the blinds.  We can go all day without a real life kind word because we are all looking at our screens.  We both glorify being busy and complain about it.  Our lives spin past us quickly and out of control.  We long for contentment, intention, and inner peace.  We think we can schedule, plan and buy it for ourselves.  Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us of many things, but today, I choose to slow down and focus on just one: Peace.  Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of spirit.  Peace for my neighbors, my family and friends, and our world.  Take a minute to read and reflect on the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.  Remember to pardon, love and console.  Begin by pardoning, loving and consoling yourself.