I have become more interested – and much more aware of politics and world affairs – in the last few years – and as we approach Remembrance Day – I am filled with a great sense of gratitude for the peace in my country that I have been so privileged to enjoy.

And so – in the words quoted here –

“I pause – reflect and remember – they gave up their tomorrow – so that we could have our today”.

It’s never something that I should take for granted – for it’s actually a huge privilege – to have lived in peace – my whole lifetime.

I like how someone put it here –

“If our country is worth dying for in a time of war – let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in times of peace”

As I read that – the thought struck me – that it’s not just my country that this applies to – but to – ‘my small world’ – where I live – to my friends and family too. It behoves me to live well – and at peace – doing all I can to extend that peace to all I come into contact with.

The following explains that thought in this way –

“If there is to be peace in the world – there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations – there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities – there must be peace between neighbours. If there is to be peace between neighbours – there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home – there must be peace in the heart”.

I can’t bring about peace in the nations – but – I can start with myself.

Like so many things in life – change often begins with me – with my attitude – and my responses – to situations that happen – both in my personal life – and in a wider context.

So often I have found that in order to see change – I must be the first to change – and I am continually learning – that one of the most important areas that this applies to – is in relationships.

I confess that there have been times when I have wished the other person would change – instead of recognising that if only I changed first – the whole situation could change too.

It’s often said – “Be the change you want to see in the world” – and I remind myself of this – as I pause and reflect – so grateful to those – “who gave up their tomorrow – so that we could have our today“.

Blessings – Lois