Begin with Me

Songs can bring us back to a time and a place we have long forgotten. And some songs are timeless poetry and truth in motion. As the cantor at church tonight started singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” I was sent back to grade school when we sang this song often. As I grow older, it holds more meaning than ever before.

And we can do more than talk about, wish and pray for peace. We can start peace moving in our own corner of the world. How we talk to each other, where we invest our time, how we reach out to others first with a smile or an encouraging word – all ways to ignite a peace that could succumb the world.

“Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.”

In this moment, we can vow to be the peace we long for. Turning an idea, a wish, a longing into reality with simple acts that we can do and be each day. Peace moves from a platitude to a whole new meaning when we own it and live it instead of putting on someone else to take care of. Really want peace? Let it begin in your heart, words and actions. Begin with me – be first.