Peace Pursuits

I have never been in a physical fight with another human being. I may have forgotten, but I really do not recall such confrontations. In the event I have forgotten, I must say that I am a peaceful person. A childhood acquaintant might spring force a reminder; but I doubt it. I'd maintain that I don't recall even childhood spats that led to fist fights. Perhaps he would remind me that he and I once fought like cats and dogs. Nevertheless, I do recall a boxing match with a friend at the age of around 12. We were tough as nails, had no boxing gloves, and came out swinging with a smile; and we ended swinging with a smile. Everyone watching said that it was a draw. The beauty of it was that there was peace between us before and afterwards. It could be that I avoided fights because I am a coward at heart; but I doubt it. If war is born in hell and peace is heaven-born, how hard can it be to pursue peace? Fundamentally, I think there is a devilish war, not divine peace, inside our hard of hearts. Nevertheless, may we pursue The Master's words, "Blessed are the peace makers..."* It's possible that as we give peace a chance; and as we ponder the price of war; and as we weigh the rewards of peace, a preference for peace will prevail rather than prideful pursuits of passion. Such resolutions yield no gains but losses for everyone. I would that the spats of nations end as like those of kids. Lord, let peace begin in our hearts, between mortals, giving rise to world peace. 3622PS, *Matthew 5:9