Reflection: Peace on Earth

As a child, I remember singing I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day with my grandparents at their Sunday service.  This particular hymn struck me, because of these two verses.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play
And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on Earth, " I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on Earth, good will to men

As I say goodbye to 2024, I have two choices.  Do I focus on the sweet songs that lift me up or look towards the hate that mocks my happiness?  Either choice will determine how I progress into the next year. 

For me, I want to remember the sweet songs that repeat in my ear of peace on earth and good will to men.  There have been many challenges in my life during this year that I will never forget.  But, there were many small moments of sweetness that helped me move forward.  
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As an eternal optimist, I believe that good prevails in the world and there is still more good to be done.  This world is not perfect, but every good act helps lift up someone else. Let us find the joy as we finish out 2024 and look brightly towards the uncertain future. 

by Lu Gerlach at the Garmisch Christkindlmarkt 12-23-24