Searching In, Reaching Out

Behold, The Pile: the squares go with the chevron, the girly quilt is awaiting quilting, the shades-of-sand will be a gift for my sister, and see the start of a Summersville top?

Now, let me tell you why my energy is otherwise engaged, and why my pile Keeps Not Shrinking.

I hope and pray you will accept this in the spirit that I am sharing it.

I live in Israel. We chose to move here, because we believe it is the best place for our family to be, to grow, to give, to connect, to live.

Right now, today, we are at war. It is more devastating than I can describe.

This week I have been thinking, praying, and connecting to just a few people about my overwhelming feelings of loss. While the war has been pounding down on both sides of the border, I am trying to find my voice, and be brave, and true. 

Here are my not-so-grand conclusions: that there can be no "us" and "them"; there can only be "we", we humans, each of us set down on this green earth for one brief and precious season.

And that I will not achieve peace, nor help spread it, with gentle thoughts. I have to seek it actively and create it mindfully in my own life.

I would like to reach out and beg a favour from each of you: to add something to your life that increases your peace or peace in the world, or that reaches out to others in peace.

Here are a few ideas:
Learn to meditate.
Pray for our leaders to seek peace in their hearts.
Read "Whoever You Are" by Mem Fox to your children.
Create a family peace ritual.
This week, or next, visit someone in hospital, volunteer in a soup kitchen, sit with a friend.
Join an organisation or support a charity that is encouraging positive change in the world.
Read "Knitting into the Mystery" by Jorgensen and Izard, and start a meditative stitching circle.
Keep a gratitude journal.

Cultivate peace. Put it front and centre. Tell us how you did it.
I thank you, sincerely, and with my whole heart.

Linking up with Freshly Pieced.